MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JUNE 16: Gabriel Arias #13 of the Cleveland Guardians hits a single against the Milwaukee Brewers during the third inning at American Family Field on June 16, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images After a surprise off-day and a scheduled off-day, the Cleveland Guardians traveled to Milwaukee to face the Brewers in a 3-game series. Slade Cecconi and Robert Gasser faced off as the starting pitchers for this evening’s game. Cecconi had another decent start, holding the Brewers to one run in 5.2 innings of work. The run came off a solo home run by Brice Turang and was one of three hits that Cecconi allowed. Cecconi gave up two walks, both in the sixth inning and was pulled having only thrown 82 pitches. Brayan Rocchio backed up his pitcher with a nice play turned at second to get the runner out. Colin Holderman retired the side to finish out the sixth inning. Your browser does not support the video tag. The 0-1 score held until the top of the seventh. Stuart Fairchild drew a one-out walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Gabriel Arias, fresh off of a rehab assignment, singled to right field to score Fairchild and tie the game. Your browser does not support the video tag. Hunter Gaddis came on in the bottom of the seventh with a tie game. Gaddis gave up a lead off home run to Garrett Mitchell, giving the Brewers the lead once more. The curse of the runner in scoring position struck the Guards again in the top of the eighth. Travis Bazzana drew a lead off walk and forced the Brewers to go to Abner Uribe. Brayan Rocchio flied out, but Bazzana reached second base on a wild pitch. Rhys Hoskins struck out swinging, but Bazzana reached third based on a wild pitch. Daniel Schneemann, who pinch hit for David Fry in the sixth, drew a walk to put runners on the corners. Kyle Manzardo struck out swinging, retiring the side without a run crossing home. Matt Festa pitched the eighth and was graced with stellar defense to turn two quick ground outs to start the inning. William Contreras struck out swinging to retire the side for a clean 11 pitch inning from Festa. The Brewers held onto their lead, taking game one of the series from the Guardians by a score of Cleveland 1 – Brewers 2. Both teams had four hits and one error on the night.

Jun. 16—BEMIDJI — Bemidji's Katie Fellows and Unified Partner Lisa Kiewatt will compete in bowling at the National Games in Minneapolis June 20-26, with a send-off event set for 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, starting at Lucky Dogs, 201 Beltrami Ave. NW.The event will feature speakers, ice cream and pictures with Paul and Babe at around 1 p.m.More information can be found at2026specialolympicsusagames.org.

Jun. 16—Around 2023, just before he began his journey as a coach, Shevin Smith Jr. sat down with a pen and paper and wrote a letter to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Not an email, not a direct message, a letter that he put in the mailbox.He didn't pick the team arbitrarily. He had a connection with the Bucs since his late father, Shevin Smith Sr., played for the franchise from 1998-1999 as a safety.Smith didn't expect much; all he wanted was a little advice about the qualities of being a good coach. To his surprise, an assistant to head coach Todd Bowles invited him to Tampa Bay's facilities and watch practice.Smith was ecstatic. He booked a flight from Lincoln, Nebraska — where he had just accepted a graduate assistant position for the Cornhuskers — to Tampa, Florida, as soon as he could.Only one slight problem."I missed my flight," Smith said. "I got the dates mixed up. So I drove six hours in the middle of the night from Lincoln to Denver to catch a flight (to Tampa) and go make it to the practice."It may have been a whirlwind, but Smith made it to practice on time and got to pick the brain of Buccaneers coaches.It was then that they told him about a new program: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Coaching Academy. It's a program for young, up-and-coming coaches to have firsthand experience with NFL coaches and players during minicamp. They encouraged Smith to apply after he gained three years of coaching experience, one of the requirements of the program.Now a co-defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator for the Bemidji State football team, Smith was one of 25 coaches selected for this year's coaching academy, held last month.The program invited coaches from around the world, including some from the Canadian Football League and the NFL Academy in Europe."It's crazy with all the different accents," Smith said. "But it's cool because it just shows how global (football) is getting. Growing up, I never would have thought I would be with a German coach doing football. ... You can really learn from everybody."For one week, Smith got to work with Buccaneers veterans and rookies, and got to hear speeches from former players and coaches about what it's like to get to the top level.One of those speakers happened to recognize Smith's name: Tony Dungy, the man who coached his father in the NFL. While Smith got to take a picture with him and chat about his dad, it was Dungy's speech that would truly resonate with him.As Dungy entered the room full of young coaches, Smith included, he began speaking in his trademark quiet, soft-spoken manner.It's a quality of his personality that he addressed to those in the room who may not know his impressive resume, which includes a Super Bowl in 2006 as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts and a Hall of Fame induction in 2016.There isn't one mold for a head coach, Dungy explained. Not everyone has to be a rah-rah coach to get the best out of their players. As long as the players and staff know that the coach truly cares about them, they'll adjust to whatever personality they have.The message really resonated with Smith, who doesn't fit the stereotype of a typical intense football coach."It's cool to see someone — I'm not as soft spoken as him — but somebody that's a little bit more aligned to my personality," Smith said. "(Especially) that level of coach."Dungy coached the Bucs from 1996 to 2001. When picturing a typical football coach, many may expect a personality like Dungy's replacement in Tampa Bay, Jon Gruden. He was someone who was rah-rah, wore his emotions on his sleeve and wasn't afraid to speak his mind about his players in front of everyone.In other words, the antithesis of Dungy.Gruden would win a Super Bowl too, winning with the Bucs in 2002. The differences between the two coaches was something former Bucs cornerback Ronde Barber detailed in his speech to the coaching academy.Paraphrasing Barber, Smith said: "You didn't want to mess up in front of Gruden because he was going to cuss you out in front of everybody. But you didn't want to mess up in front of Dungy because you didn't want to disappoint him in a fatherly kind of way."Both of them are effective because both of them cared about the players. That's why it resonated with them."It led to the biggest piece of advice Smith learned from the coaching academy: be authentically himself. He's been doing just that throughout his young career, but it's rewarding to hear countless examples from all-time players and coaches that that can be a path to success."A lot of people try to force stuff on players," he added. "But as long as you are like, 'Hey, I want you guys to be the best. This is my authentic self. How can I help you be the best?' Then they'll naturally form a culture behind you. Because every team is different. And if you (try to force things) on guys, you are going to be at different wavelengths."Outside of Dungy and Barber, Smith also got to hear from Bowles, general manager Jason Licht and Super Bowl-winning head coach Bruce Arians.He also gained some hands-on experience with Buccaneer players during minicamp. During the first half of the week, he was running drills with the veterans, watching players like Chris Godwin and Baker Mayfield.He got to work with the rookies in the second half of the week. Naturally, rookies are more malleable to coaching since they're just trying to make the team.Learning the drills with the veterans before coaching the rookies was a helpful structure for Smith to learn, he said."The NFL guys are very self-governing," he said. "I know the drills because I watched them, but the vets are like, 'Hey, I'm supposed to do this.' The rookies, they don't know that. ... It helped build — not saying I was unconfident — but it helped build my confidence with the vets to when I got to the rookies."Another thing he took from practice? Every player, whether it's the star quarterback or the last guy on the depth chart, has to have some knowledge of tackling, blocking, catching and more. There can be so many unknown circumstances in a game, especially coming from the special teams side of the ball, which Smith is in charge of at BSU. The more prepared a player is, the better."Everybody has to have some kind of knowledge of tackling and blocking, which in college you don't think about, because it's like, our receivers are never going to tackle," Smith said. "But you might get in the game and it's like, he has to make a tackle on kickoff, but you never ripped it in practice."So from a structure standpoint, you got to make sure everybody on the team has some kind of knowledge of everything."After his experience with Tampa Bay, Smith returned to Bemidji in mid-May even more excited to get to work for the 2026 season.The Beavers finished a disappointing 4-7 in 2025, the first losing season in head coach Brent Bolte's tenure. While losing always stings, Smith looks at last season as a needed come-down-to-earth reset for a team that has been so used to winning."I think when you win for so long, you get in a situation where guys expect to win, but don't know what it takes to win," Smith said. "So I think last year kind of hit people because like, 'Oh shoot, I wasn't the guy when we were winning and I expect to win, but the whole world expects us to win. So they're really trying to beat us, and I didn't put in the necessary work to do that.'"Smith has seen the hard work this year's players have been putting in throughout the spring. He's been getting more texts from players wanting to put in extra work outside of practice, and he feels like there's more urgency with this year's squad."The vibe of spring ball is more urgent, more meticulous, I think, more than anything else," Smith said. "Because everybody can go out there and practice hard, but it's like, 'Am I taking a right step on this play? Am I going (at the right) angle?' It's the meticulous details of it that really is the difference between winning and losing."And I think that was overlooked a little bit last year. Because it's like, 'If I play hard, I win.' No. If you play hard with execution and preciseness and communication, you'll win. Which is what we did in the spring."

NEW YORK (AP) — Spencer Jones hit his first Yankee Stadium home run in the second inning, Ben Rice and Paul Goldschmidt each added a two-run drive in the fourth, and the New York Yankees rocked Davis Martin in a 12-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night.Gerrit Cole (2-1) allowed two runs and three hits in six innings as the Yankees improved to 8-4 since losing slugger Aaron Judge indefinitely to a stress fracture in his right rib.Jones reached the second deck in right field for a tying shot off Martin (9-3) and his second career homer. The rookie also walked with the bases loaded during a four-run third after Martin lost an ABS challenge.Rice hit his 20th homer to give the Yankees a 7-1 lead when he hammered Martin’s 2-1 curveball into the right-field seats. Goldschmidt chased Martin with his 10th of the year, a shot to left on a 1-2 fastball.Rice reached 20 homers for the second straight season, after hitting 26 in 2025. The first baseman joined Houston’s Yordan Alvarez, Minnesota’s Byron Buxton and injured White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami among American League players with 20 homers.Goldschmidt homered for the second time in three games and matched his total from last season when he appeared in 146 games for the Yankees.José Caballero homered off a 41 mph curveball by infielder Luisangel Acuña in the ninth.Cody Bellinger had three hits, including a go-ahead two-run single with the bases loaded in the third. Ryan McMahon provided an RBI single in the six-run fourth. J.C. Escarra started the third with a double and reached three times, including on a throwing error by reliever Chris Murphy that gave the Yankees an 11-1 lead.New York finished with 16 hits and scored double-digit runs for the eighth time.Andrew Benintendi homered three batters in but the White Sox fell to 5-4 in a stretch of 11 straight games against the Phillies, Braves, Dodgers and Yankees.Martin tied a career worst by allowing nine runs. He also permitted eight hits in 3 1/3 innings. The right-hander gave up three homers after yielding three in his first 13 starts.Up nextChicago LHP Anthony Kay (6-1, 4.34 ERA) faces New York LHP Carlos Rodón (2-2, 3.19) on Wednesday night.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - JUNE 16: Andre Pallante #53 of the St. Louis Cardinals delivers a pitch against the San Diego Padres in the first inning at Busch Stadium on June 16, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) | Getty Images Andre Pallante was nearly unhittable for the first half of the game while the St. Louis Cardinals offense was just good enough to beat the San Diego Padres again at Busch Stadium Tuesday night. One pre-game moment worth mentioning. JJ Wetherholt’s 5th grade teacher Mrs. Ingoldsby threw out the ceremonial first pitch to JJ. She was the teacher that famously shared Wetherholt’s grade school picture where he declared that he wanted to be a MLB player when he grew up. Spoiler Alert: that worked out well for the Cardinals. By the way, JJ Wetherholt had quite a night with 3 hits, a walk and a stolen base. During the actual game, it didn’t take long before the Cardinals got on the scoreboard. In the bottom of the 2nd inning, Lars Nootbaar walked leading off. After Masyn Winn flied out to center, Jimmy Crooks grounded out to second, but Nootbaar advanced to second. With 2 outs, Blaze Jordan ripped a double to left-center scoring Nootbaar giving St. Louis an early 1-0 lead. Nathan Church followed that up with a single of his own scoring Jordan doubling the Cardinals lead to 2-0 after 2 innings. Andre Pallante did not surrender a hit until the top of the 5th inning and even then, just barely. With two outs, Samad Taylor hit a ball up the middle that Pallante deflected before Masyn Winn made a barehanded grab and nearly threw out Taylor at first. The safe call was upheld after a challenge by manager Oli Marmol. Taylor then easily stole second after getting a huge jump that gave Ivan Herrera no chance. Ty France then singled to center scoring Taylor and giving San Diego their first run of the series cutting the Cardinals lead in half at 2-1 halfway through the game. St. Louis would get the run back in the bottom of the 5th inning when Iván Herrera was hit by a pitch (again). Alec Burleson followed that with a single before Jordan Walker came within an eyelash of hitting a 3-run homer to deep center field, but his flyout did advance Herrera to third. Lars Nootbaar hit a sacrifice fly scoring Herrera upping the Cardinals lead to 3-1. They would need that run. In the top of the 6th inning, San Diego would draw closer. Fernando Tatis Jr. singled to right with two outs. Jackson Merrill doubled Tatis in leaving St. Louis with a tiny 3-2 lead heading into the late innings. St. Louis threatened in the bottom of the 6th inning when JJ Wetherholt scorched a single up the middle and then stole second base. Iván Herrera was hit by a pitch (yes, AGAIN), but Alec Burleson’s laser shot down the right field line was unfortunately directly at Padres first baseman Ty France. The Cardinals would attempt a 2-out rally in the bottom of the 7th inning also. After Jordan Walker grounded out and Lars Nootbaar struck out, Masyn Winn singled to center and Jimmy Crooks walked. That brought up Blaze Jordan who turned on an 80 mph changeup sending it down the 3rd base line which was unfortunately guarded by Manny Machado who made a great grab and threw out Jordan to end the St. Louis 7th. Dang.Andre Pallante gave St. Louis 7 strong innings. His stat line for the night ended with 7 innings pitched, giving up only 4 hits and 2 earned runs while striking out 6 and walking no one. A really nice effort that got the Cardinals deep into the game before the bullpen would intervene. Ryne Stanek was the designated St. Louis Cardinals 8th inning hall monitor. He did a fine job setting the Padres down in order. Honorable mention to the “Tarps Off” crew who chanted “Padres Suck” most of the top of the 8th inning. Second honorable mention to the Padres for proving them right. The St. Louis Cardinals decided to send Riley O’Brien out to close out the Padres which gave many of us trepidation as we remember the beginning of a bad run for Riley that started in San Diego when he gave up a heartbreaking 2-out walkoff to Nick Castellanos. Riley fortunately allowed very little drama (other than a nervous 2-out walk to Manny Machado) to seal another St. Louis victory. More of this, please!The St. Louis Cardinals wrap up their short homestand vs the San Diego Padres Wednesday afternoon as they try to sweep the series. Kyle Leahy will start for the Cardinals while the Padres don’t have a starter announced yet which may mean a bullpen game is planned. First pitch is scheduled for 1:15pm at Busch Stadium.

INDIANAPOLIS — Caitlin Clark stole the show Tuesday as she steered the Indiana Fever to a 113-91 victory over the Toronto Tempo. The two-time All-Star wowed the crowd with a variety of fancy passes to lead the Fever to their fourth straight win and first victory over the Tempo, who are in their inaugural season.Indiana is now 9-5 and has won six straight home games. Toronto fell to 7-8 and has lost three straight. Brittney Sykes, the Tempo’s leading scorer this season, left the game in the third quarter with what appeared to be a noncontact injury.Caitlin Clark orchestrates offenseClark struggled shooting the ball Thursday, missing 10 of 15 field goal attempts and seven of eight 3-pointers. At one point in the third quarter, Clark threw her hands up in frustration after missing a wide-open 3. Despite her shooting woes, Clark still controlled the game by consistently putting her teammates in position to score. She registered 14 assists, including nine in the first half, and added 21 points. Clark threw arguably her best pass of the night on a behind-the-back assist to Makayla Timpson for a layup that gave Indiana a 42-40 lead in the second quarter.Tuesday’s performance marked Clark’s 14th game with at least 20 points and 10 assists, and her fourth such game this season. Clark also played in her 13th game of the season, matching the total she played last year during an injury-riddled campaign. Clark has only missed one game this year, a home matchup against the Portland Fire on May 20, due to a sore back.Sophie Cunningham stays hotThree nights ago, Cunningham sealed the Fever’s victory over the Connecticut Sun by scoring 11 straight points in the fourth quarter. The veteran guard picked up right where she left off on Thursday, when she tied her career high with six 3-pointers. Cunningham poured in a season-high 24 points while shooting 8 of 11 from the field in 24 minutes off the bench. She caught fire in the third quarter with three triples, the last of which gave Indiana an 85-73 lead at the end of the frame.Kelsey Mitchell had an efficient outing as well, only missing two of her 11 shot attempts. The three-time All-Star scored a game-high 27 points, extending her franchise record of 48 games with at least 25 points. Mitchell is averaging a career-high 20.8 points per game this season.Aliyah Boston, a three-time All-Star as well, registered 18 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. Tuesday marked her fourth straight double-double.Brittney Sykes’ noncontact injurySykes earned her first All-Star nod last season and was off to a strong start this year, too. She entered Tuesday’s game averaging a career-high 20.7 points per game, and she scored 11 points in 19 minutes before leaving the game with what appeared to be a noncontact injury. The Tempo eventually ruled Sykes out with a foot injury.After passing the ball to teammate Temi Fagbenle, Sykes cut backdoor toward the basket, but as she planted to run, she collapsed to the floor. She stayed down for a few minutes while her teammates and trainers checked on her before she was helped back to the locker room. Sykes appeared to be able to put some weight on her lower body, though she was walking very gingerly.Laura Juskaite paced the Tempo with 19 points. Marina Mabrey chipped in with 18 points, and María Conde had 12 points off the bench.This article originally appeared in The Athletic.Indiana Fever, Toronto Tempo, WNBA2026 The Athletic Media Company

CINCINNATI (AP) — Sal Stewart hit a three-run homer and Spencer Steer added a solo shot during a four-run first inning as the Cincinnati Reds defeated the New York Mets 5-3 on Tuesday night. Mark Vientos had a two-run homer in the sixth for New York, his first career pinch-hit home run. Mets right-hander Kodai Senga, reinstated from the injured list before the game, allowed four earned runs in four innings with four walks and five strikeouts in his first start since April 26. The Mets brought the potential tying run to the plate in the ninth but Tony Santillan got A.J. Ewing to ground out for his fourth save. The Mets, who lost 12-0 in Monday's series opener, dug themselves another hole. Senga (0-5) began the game with back-to-back walks followed by Stewart's homer to put the Reds ahead 3-0. It was Stewart's team-leading 14th of the season. With two outs, Steer hit a solo shot to make it 4-0. Bo Bichette's RBI single put the Mets on the board in the third. They left the bases loaded in both the third and fourth against Brady Singer (3-6), who allowed one run on three hits in five innings. Edwin Arroyo doubled and scored on Stewart's single to extend the Reds' lead to 5-1 in the fifth. Vientos' two-run homer came off lefty Sam Moll and reached the second deck of the left-field bleachers to cut the Mets' deficit to 5-3. New York had runners on first and second with no outs in the eighth but Tejay Antone retired the next three batters. The Mets used their second and final ABS challenge in the top of the second inning when a called third strike on Marcus Semien was confirmed for the final out. Francisco Alvarez also lost a challenge during the Reds' second at-bat of the game. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was ejected after JJ Bleday walked in the seventh. Mendoza appeared to exchange words with plate umpire Carlos Torres from the dugout. Up nextMets RHP Nolan McLean (3-4, 4.01 ERA) will face LHP Nick Lodolo (2-1, 5.21) in Wednesday's series finale. ___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Lionel Messi equalled the all-time World Cup top goalscorer record after a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria in Kansas City. The 37-year-old is now on 16 career World Cup goals after producing a sensational display for the world champions to inspire his side to a 3-0 lead at Arrowhead.It was Messi’s first-ever hat-trick in the World Cup and confirmed his fifth tournament with a goal, joining Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to ever achieve that.Messi had broken the deadlock with a powerful strike from range with Luca Zidane’s fingertips unable to stop the shot.A second came after an instinctive rebound after Alexis Mac Allister’s shot was spilled by Zidane. While the third was a trademark Messi goal after Nico Gonzalez square to the Inter Miami star on the edge of the area. One touch put the ball on the outside of his left foot and a sweeping finish guided the ball powerfully into the bottom left corner from outside of the penalty area to put the game beyond the Algerians.Messi was then withdraw in the 79th minute to a standing ovation after delivering the perfect start for Lionel Scaloni’s side. More to follow...

Erling Haaland scored twice in his World Cup debut as Norway powered past Iraq to win 4-1 in their Group I opener in Boston.The Manchester City striker scored his first goals at a major international tournament on Tuesday as Norway returned to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.Haaland turned in from close range to give Norway the lead on 29 minutes, but Aymen Hussein’s header brought Iraq level.Haaland then pounced on an error at the back to put Norway ahead again before half-time and take his goal tally at international level to 57 in just 51 matches.Leo Ostigard headed in a third for Norway moments after coming off the bench to effectively wrap up the victory. Norway then got a fourth deep into stoppage time through a Hussein own goal.The win left Norway on top of Group I on goal difference, level with France on three points after Les Bleus overcame Senegal 3-1 earlier in the day. The Norwegians face the African powerhouses in their next game in New Jersey on June 22 .No team has endured a longer or more perilous road to the World Cup than Iraq, who secured their place as the 48th and final qualifiers in March after a 21-match campaign that stretched across 867 days.Hussein, the scorer of the decisive goal in the play-off win over Bolivia, was held and questioned for hours by US immigration officials after arriving with the squad ahead of Iraq’s first World Cup since 1986.Norway’s impressive returnNorway last played at the tournament in 1998, when coach Stale Solbakken was a member of the squad that famously beat Brazil in the group stage before exiting in the last 16. He also featured at Euro 2000.After breezing impressively through qualifying, twice thrashing Italy, they are hoping a golden generation of players – led by Haaland and Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard – can break new ground in North America.Solbakken predicted that Haaland would make a “very big impact” at his first major finals, and the Manchester City star was quick to deliver on that promise.Antonio Nusa’s trickery was a problem for Iraq, and his incisive pass released the overlapping David Moller Wolfe clear before Haaland stretched to steer in the low cross from the left.Iraq, who lost all of their group games in their only previous appearance, did not let that get to them as they equalised 10 minutes later.Amir Alammari found space just inside the area and clipped in a cross, with Hussein rising brilliantly to power a header past Orjan Nyland.But Iraq only had themselves to blame as they gift-wrapped Haaland’s second of the contest.Goalkeeper Jalal Hassan was slow to react to a softly hit back pass, his attempted clearance smacking off Haaland’s shin and ricocheting into the net.Iraq again responded well with Ibrahim Bayesh denied by a desperation block, Ali Alhamadi dribbling an effort wide, and centre-back Akam Hashim lashing a spectacular volley just over the bar.Ostigard nodded in Odegaard’s corner on 76 minutes to seal the points for Norway, before Haaland was thwarted by Hassan when another loose pass sent him clean through and seeking his hat-trick.Haaland, nonetheless, had a hand in Norway’s late fourth, his looping header back across goal deflecting off Hussein before trickling over the line.

📹 With a hat-trick, Messi becomes the all-time top scorer in cup historyGenius, extraterrestrial, the greatest of all time... simply, Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini.The star wearing the No. 10 shirt scored three goals for Argentina this Tuesday (16) against Algeria and became the joint top scorer in World Cup history alongside Germany’s Miroslav Klose.Messi now has 16 goals in 27 World Cup matches — the player with the most appearances in the tournament.This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

After scoring an incredible hat trick on Tuesday night, Lionel Messi is now tied as the all-time leading scorer in men's World Cup history.The eight time Ballon d'Or winner scored three times for Argentina in its World Cup opener against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, reaching 16 World Cup goals in his illustrious career.It was his first hat trick in the World Cup and put the defending champs up 3-0.Messi went into the game trailing Miroslav Klose of Germany by three goals for the record, but he exited as the co-leading scorer in men's World Cup history.Brazil legend Marta holds the overall scoring record with 17 goals.FIFA WORLD CUP HAT TRICK FOR MESSI! 🇦🇷Lionel Messi ties Miroslav Klose for the most goals in Men’s FIFA World Cup history with 16 🐐 pic.twitter.com/vw6bl65w7s— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026All-time World Cup top scorers16 – Miroslav Klose, Germany16 – Lionel Messi, Argentina15 – Ronaldo, Brazil14 – Gerd Muller, West Germany14 – Kylian Mbappe, France13 – Just Fontaine, France12 – Pele, Brazil11 – Sandor Kocsis, Hungary11 – Jurgen Klinsmann, West Germany and Germany10 – Helmut Rahn, West Germany10 – Gary Lineker, England10 – Gabriel Batistuta, Argentina10 – Teofilo Cubillas, Peru10 – Thomas Muller, Germany10 – Grzergor Lato, PolandMore to follow...This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Messi ties men's World Cup scoring record with hat trick for Argentina

Argentina forward Lionel Messi celebrates scoring against Algeria in Kansas City (Roberto SCHMIDT)Lionel Messi scored a dazzling hat-trick for Argentina on Tuesday to equal Miroslav Klose's all-time record of 16 goals at World Cups as the defending champions swept Algeria aside 3-0.On a night for the ages in Kansas City, the records kept tumbling for Argentina's miracle man, considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time.When the match kicked off at the home of the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs, Messi became the first player to feature in six World Cup tournaments, in his 200th international match.And the 38-year-old lit up the occasion with three goals in a clinical display by the reigning world champions.Messi produced a majestic finish from distance in the 17th minute, sparking a frenzy among his adoring fans, who had turned the match into a virtual home game.Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane, the son of France great Zinedine Zidane, got his hands to the ball, but could not keep it out.Messi netted again in the second half from close range, gobbling up a rebound to take him just one goal behind the all-time record held by Germany's Klose.And he completed his first hat-trick at a World Cup with an unstoppable finish in the 76th minute.The diminutive genius was substituted shortly afterwards, forcing Argentine fans to wait to see their hero have a shot at the outright record.- Messi magic -The Group J match in the open-air stadium started at a frantic pace and both sides had early goals ruled out for offside, including one from Messi.But Argentina took the lead when Rodrigo De Paul played a beautifully measured through ball which Messi picked up before driving at goal and unleashing a fierce drive from outside the penalty area that curled away from Zidane. The South American team were largely in control of the match, fluid in attack with their Number 10 pulling the strings.But as the clock ticked towards half-time Algeria enjoyed a better spell, with Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez forced to parry a shot from Fares Chaibi from a tight angle.Messi curled another effort over the bar in the early minutes of the second half and Zidane kept out a shot from Lautaro Martinez.But the crowd did not have to wait long to celebrate another goal from the veteran forward, who plays for MLS side Inter Miami.Zidane could not handle a sizzling Alexis Mac Allister strike from distance and Messi was there to sweep home in the 60th minute.Time stood still six minutes later as Messi was through again but this time Zidane pushed the ball over the bar.But he was not to be denied, completing his hat-trick after being set up by substitute Nico Gonzalez.Lionel Scaloni's Argentina are seeking to become the first back-to-back winners since Brazil managed the feat in 1962.Algeria are hoping to reach the knockout round for only the second time, in a group that also includes Austria and Jordan.Earlier, the roads around the Kansas City Stadium were clogged as tens of thousands of Argentine fans streamed towards ground dressed in blue and white, many with Messi's name on the back of their shirts.Argentina's all-time top-scorer is just the third man to reach 200 caps after Cristiano Ronaldo and Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa.Ronaldo will equal Messi's record of six World Cup appearances if he plays for Portugal against DR Congo on Wednesday.jw/gj

Lionel Messi gets curtain call, standing ovation, handshake from referee after hat trick in World Cup opener vs Algeria originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Lionel Messi is the greatest conductor in soccer history. He proved as much on Tuesday night.Facing off against a talent-laden Algerian side, the Argentine standout looked composed. That's unsurprising for a player with his resume - Messi has scored more than 900 goals since the start of his career.He didn't have a World Cup hat trick, though - at least not until Tuesday night. That ignominious record came falling, as they tend to do when lined up against Messi. Argentina's No. 10 bagged three goals against the Desert Warriors, anchoring La Albiceleste to a momentous victory over the African side.Fans couldn't help but give the 38-year-old his flowers as he left the pitch. It's nothing less than one would expect from Messi, the greatest talent in the sport's history.Here's what you need to know.2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup ticketsLionel Messi curtain call vs. AlgeriaMessi received plenty of recognition after finishing off Tuesday's match. Shortly after whipping his third effort beyond Zidane, he disappeared onto the substitute bench in favor of youngster Nico Paz.Those who pooled into Arrowhead Stadium couldn't help but be moved by his display. They serenaded him with hymns that have followed him since he started his career at Newell's Old Boys all those years ago.Lionel Messi receives a huge ovation from the fans in Kansas city after his hat trick to open the 2026 FIFA World Cup 👏 pic.twitter.com/vxZZp8tu50— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026MORE: List of all-time top scorers in World Cup historyThey weren't the only ones singing his praises. So too was the match's referee, who felt compelled to give him a handshake following his glistening display.MORE: Looking back at every World Cup goal Messi has ever scoredLionel Messi stats vs AlgeriaMinutes: 80Goals: 3Assists: 0Shots: 6Shots on target: 4Passes: 30Pass completion: 81% (30/37)Touches: 57Dribble completion: 0% (0/2)MORE: Where Messi ranks on list of all-time World Cup goal scorers

Ben Stiller puts OG Anunoby's game-winning tip-in on par with Willis Reed's iconic return originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.For the longest time, the New York Knicks have had a limited history because they went over 50 years without a championship. Despite that drought, their legacy still had merit, given their two titles in the 1970s.One of those titles had quite possibly the most iconic moment in the franchise's history. That was in 1970, when the great Willis Reed played Game 7 despite a torn muscle in his thigh. He played 27 minutes, spurring the Knicks to their first-ever title.Ben Stiller believes OG Anunoby's game-winner is arguably the Knicks' best-ever momentThe Knicks finally ended their drought in 2026, beating the San Antonio Spurs in five games. It might seem like a gentleman's sweep from afar, but the Spurs were ahead in almost every game.In Game 4, the Knicks were down by 29 points at one point. Despite that deficit, they came back, and they capped it off with an OG Anunoby game-winner. It was a tip-in after Jalen Brunson missed a three-pointer.MORE: OG Anunoby talks about his growth into a star for the KnicksThis was one of the biggest moments in franchise history, and now fans are calling it the best moment ever. Actor and Knicks superfan Ben Stiller was at courtside during that play, and he feels it was a moment that will stay with him for life."It’s up there with Willis Reed coming out, you know. And what’s so great about that shot is just kind of embodies everything that is great about OG Anunoby in terms of as a player, right? His physical ability, his incredible timing, his grace, his desire to win," Stiller said on The Road Trippin' Show."I just love that guy because he’s just not about anything other than just playing as well as he can and winning. And the grace and beauty of that shot, you know, it’s the hand of God, the hand of OG."It is difficult to go against his point because Reed's Game 7 surprise in 1970 is truly iconic, but it is arguably the only moment that is better than Anunoby's tip-in. This team will have plenty of legendary moments, but Anunoby's big play will always be a top choice.More NBA news:De'Aaron Fox remains level-headed amidst all the vitriol in the NBA FinalsJalen Brunson matches Michael Jordan with a 45-point performance in the title-clincherVictor Wembanyama admits that fatigue was a factor, but not the deciding one in the NBA FinalsJalen Brunson gets the last laugh over Becky Hammon after an NBA championshipThe Knicks have become the NBA's very first team to win a Double

📹 Argentina cruise through Copa opener, Messi SMASHING recordsThose who stayed up late watching it went to bed a little earlier, and with a "foggy head."After all, Argentina opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 3-0 win over Algeria this Tuesday (16) in a Group J match.But for those who put the South American rivalry aside for a moment, they witnessed yet another Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini masterclass on the pitch.Still in the first half, the Barcelona idol and current Inter Miami star had a goal disallowed, but opened the scoring before the 20-minute mark.With that, Messi reached several historic milestones, such as surpassing King Pelé in goal involvements and goals at World Cups, and matching Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to score in five different World Cups.To see Messi's "collection" of records, click here!After the break, the Argentine star grabbed his brace with a little "help" from Luca Zidane - yes, the son of the French legend and Real Madrid icon.Finally, Messi completed his hat-trick to make history: the all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals. Click here!Now, at 38 years and 357 days old, Messi has become the oldest player in World Cup history to score three goals in a single match. In this way, Messi SMASHED seven World Cup records!Six goals from outside the boxMost goal involvements: 24 G/AOnly player to play in 6 different World Cup editionsOnly player (alongside CR7) to score in 5 different World CupsTop scorer in World Cup history (16 goals)Oldest player to score three goals in a World Cup matchPlayer with the most matches in World Cup history (27 games)🚦 StandingsArgentina top Group J with three points.La Albiceleste return to action next Monday (22), when they face Austria, and close out the first phase against Jordan on Saturday (27).This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

St. Louis Cardinals prospect Joshua BaezOn Tuesday, St. Louis Cardinals No. 3 prospect Joshua Báez completely captured the baseball world's attention, and he didn't even play in a big league game.He's currently a member of the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds and has been red-hot so far this season from the plate. On Tuesday, he had likely the best offensive performance by a prospect this season by bashing four homers for the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds.A FOUR @LennysSubs LONGBALL GAME FOR JOSHUA BÁEZ!!!!!IT SIMPLY CANT GET BETTER!!!!#LennysLongballpic.twitter.com/wJ9vYXwcXJ— Memphis Redbirds (@memphisredbirds) June 17, 2026You're not going to see nights like that all the time. With his four homers, Báez increased his season total to 23 long balls. On top of this, he increased his season RBI total to 58 with seven on the night. None of the four homers left his bat slower than 101.6 miles per hour.Joshua Baez’s home runs tonight:108.2 MPH, 20 LA, 375 ft.101.6 MPH, 33 LA, 408 ft.108.4 MPH, 21 LA, 373 ft.103.9 MPH, 49 LA, 354 ft. pic.twitter.com/K9XSHUjV0m— Kareem Haq (@KareemSSN) June 17, 2026Do you have a take to get off your chest? Do you want to engage in a growing Cardinals community? Comment on our content alongside staff and fans alike!You just don't see this every day. While he isn't in the majors right now, he should be soon.More MLB: Red Sox's Real Problem From The Rafael Devers Stunner

Croatia midfielder Luka Modric says his former Real Madrid team-mate Jude Bellingham will be a “great threat” for England in their World Cup opener in Dallas.The 40-year-old, who is heading into his fifth World Cup, played with Bellingham for two years at the Bernabeu and hailed his quality and character – even if he did not want to get involved with the politics of Thomas Tuchel’s selection.They will come face to face again at the AT&T Stadium on Wednesday as both teams play their toughest match of the group.“I do not like to meddle in the decisions of Thomas Tuchel. England have great players, they are phenomenal players,” he said.“I have played with Jude for two years and I know what sort of top-notch player he is and a character as well. He is a great threat to us.”Modric is widely expected to join Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in playing his last World Cup this summer.The playmaker steered Croatia to back-to-back third-placed finishes in the last two editions and has consolidated his position as one of the greats of the game.However, he does not think he is owed anything heading into his swansong.“Every game, every tournament is special for the national team, especially when we have World Cups. We all want to end up with the best possible result,” he added.“The only promise I can make is that me and the whole team will do our best to show the best of ourselves. I hope we can bring a lot of joy.“The more I am here, the more proud I am to represent Croatia in the best way at a major tournament.“Football owes nothing to anyone, I believe we are here to give our best.“We all have our dreams, we want to become world champions, some of us are successful. The most important part is to do your best.“I could not have dreamt I would have competed in five World Cups. I was a boy who had big dreams and I wanted just one cap for the Croatia team.“I am almost at my 200th cap, it is amazing, I can’t believe it. Every Championship made me better.”With Ghana and Panama also in Group L, this clash between the two heavyweights of the group could have a significant bearing on the outcome.But Modric does not see it as decisive.“Not necessarily, it is an important match, every match is important,” he said. “The outcome does not necessarily mean anything, it is important but it is not decisive for our fate.“It is important for our self-confidence and the remainder if the tournament. It is not decisive.”

Kyle Teel's return got off to a roaring start, as the catcher crushed a two-run homer in his first rehab at-bat and collected two hits in Charlotte's loss to Buffalo. | (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images) Buffalo Bisons 9, Charlotte Knights 5Another night, more pitching troubles for Charlotte (38-32). At least Kyle Teel showed up with some fireworks, launching a two-run shot in his first rehab at-bat and finishing 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs. That early jolt? Gone in a flash, as Noah Schultz walked his first batter and promptly served up a two-run homer. Schultz fanned four but couldn’t find the zone, walking three in just 1 1/3 innings. Jordan Hicks, also rehabbing, took the baton in the fourth and promptly handed the game over, walking two before coughing up a three-run bomb. The Knights made a little noise in the sixth — homers from Michael Turner and Nolan Jones trimmed it to 6-5, but Buffalo stomped out any hope with three runs right after. Only Peyton Pallette escaped unscathed, spinning 1 1/3 hitless innings with three punchouts.Who was the Knights MVP? Rikuu Nishida: 2-for-5, R, 2B, KKyle Teel: 2-for-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, HRMichael Turner: 1-for-4, R, 2 RBI, HR, 2 KNolan Jones: 1-for-4 R, RBI, HRMario Camilletti: 2-for-4, 2BAndy Weber: 1-for-4, KPeyton Pallette: 1 1/3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 3 K pollcode.com free pollsWho was the Knights Cold Cat?Junior Perez: 0-for-4, 3 KDustin Harris: 0-for-4, 2 KCaden Connor: 0-for-3, BB, 2 KNoah Schultz: 1 2/3 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 4 KJordan Hicks: 2/3 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K, LShane Murphy: 4 1/3 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 3 K pollcode.com free pollsBirmingham Barons — Pensacola Blue Wahoos (postponed)Greensboro Grasshoppers 4, Winston-Salem Dash 1The Dash had their chances but could not cash in on them. The Grasshoppers struck first with a run in the third, but Winston-Salem answered in the bottom of the fourth when Kaleb Freeman launched a solo homer to tie the game. Greensboro took the lead right back, 3-1, in the sixth on a walk and a pair of doubles, then tacked on an insurance run in the eighth. Liam Paddack turned in a solid start for the Dash, allowing one run on four hits over four innings while striking out four and walking two. Winston-Salem managed just five hits on the night and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.Who was the Dash MVP? Jake Peppers: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 KJake Curtis: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, KKyle Lodise: 1-for-4, BB, KKaleb Freeman: 1-for-3, R, RBI, BB, HR, KJames Taussig: 1-for-3, BBEly Brown: 1-for-3, BB, KBryce Eblin: 1-for-4 pollcode.com free pollsWho was the Dash Cold Cat?Seth Keener: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, BB, K, WP, LDrew Conover: 1 IP, 2H, R, 2 BB Boston Smith: 0-for-4, BB, 2 KRyan Burrowes: 0-for-3, BB, 2 KGeorge Wolkow: 0-for-4, KArxy Hernández: 0-for-3, BB, K pollcode.com free pollsFayetteville Woodpeckers 6, Kannapolis Cannon Ballers 3The Cannon Ballers (32-32) let an early lead slip away, and they never got the key knock they needed. Kannapolis struck first with two runs in the third, as Matthew Boughton doubled home Efren Teran before Derek Cerda followed with an RBI single. But any hopes of a crooked number fizzled as the Ballers managed to run themselves into two outs on the bases. Fayetteville answered immediately, launching two two-run homers in the bottom half to jump ahead 4-2. Kannapolis scratched across a run in the fourth using a single, a walk, a stolen base, and a ground out to cut the deficit to one, but the Woodpeckers added solo runs in the fifth and sixth innings to pull away. The Ballers had their chances — plenty of them — but went a disappointing 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position.Who was the Ballers MVP?Matthew Boughton: 1-for-3, R, RBI, BB, 2B, SB, EDerek Cerda: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, KNick McLain: 1-for-4, KNathan Archer: 1-for-4, R, SB, 2 KJurdrick Profar: 1-for-3, BB, 2B, KEfren Teran: 1-for-3, R, KJesus Mendez: 1 IP, H, 0 R, BB, 2 K pollcode.com free pollsWho was the Ballers Cold Cat?Jaden Fauske: 0-for-4, 2 KAlexander Albertus: 0-for-3, BB, 2 KAdrian Gil: 0-for-3, RBI, BBCaedmon Parker: 4 2/3 IP, 6 H, 5 R (3 ER), BB, 4 K, HBP, LAnthony Patterson III: 2 1/3 IP, 2 H, R, BB, 2 K, WP pollcode.com free pollsACL Brewers 8, ACL Sox 0 (7 innings)The ACL White Sox (10-23) turned in another forgettable performance while managing just three hits and one walk. They never mounted much of a threat, going 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position. The lone offensive highlight came in the third inning when Marcelo Ácala ripped a two-out double, but the Sox were unable to capitalize. Two rehab appearances also failed to provide much encouragement. Wikelman González surrendered two runs on one hit and a walk over one inning, while Christian Oppor allowed three runs on two hits and three walks across 1 2/3 innings, though he did strike out four.DSL White Sox 7, DSL Miami 6After taking a beating on Monday, the DSL White Sox (4-8) bounced back with a victory over Miami thanks to a big night from Sebastian Romero. Miami jumped out to a 3-0 lead, but the Sox answered in the third when Romero laced a two-run triple, and Orlando Patiño followed with an RBI single to knot the game. The Marlins reclaimed the lead with two tallies in the fourth, only for the Sox to respond with a three-run fifth fueled by a string of singles and a pair of walks. Romero delivered the knockout blow in the sixth, ripping his second RBI triple of the game to provide the eventual winning run. The 17-year-old Venezuelan continues to terrorize DSL pitching with a .382/.476/.853 slash line, five homers, and 1.329 OPS.ACL Reds 12, ACL White Sox 1 (June 15)The ACL White Sox got thumped, 12-1, by the Reds in a game that refused to die. ACL games are typically seven innings, but this one dragged through nine, as if anyone needed more of this. Through seven, the Sox managed three baserunners, two wiped out by a double play, all on two singles and a walk. Not a soul made it past first. The lone run finally limped home in the eighth, assisted by a throwing error, two wild pitches, and a double. Four hits, that’s all. Six pitchers took their lumps, and only two escaped without a run on their tab. Jeremy Gonzalez was the bright spot, spinning two scoreless to close it out, two hits, one K.DSL Yankees 11, DSL White Sox 1 (June 15/7 innings)The DSL White Sox had their chances early, but a second-inning meltdown and a bunch of stranded runners sealed the loss. The Sox looked set to get on the board in the first. Hector Hernandez doubled, took third on a wild pitch, and Romero got plunked and moved up on another wild one. It was second and third with one out, but unfortunately, Ronald Cardoza struck out. However, another hit-by-pitch packed the sacks. Then Orlando Patiño grounded out, and the threat was over. That set the tone as the Sox went a sad 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Their only run came in the seventh, long after the game was toast. Nestor Perez and Hector Paulino walked, Felix Lebron popped out, and Sebastian Romero finally got a run home with a single. Too little, way too late.

CHICAGO (AP) — Willi Castro continued his hot streak with two RBIs and TJ Rumfield hit a two-run home run as the Colorado Rockies evened their series against the Chicago Cubs with a 5-2 win Tuesday.Castro is 7 for 13 with two home runs, three walks and nine RBIs over the past three games.Ryan Feltner allowed two runs on six hits and struck out seven in 4 2/3 innings for the Rockies (28-46), who won for just the second time in the past six games. Four Rockies relievers combined to hold the Cubs scoreless over the final seven innings, with Blas Castaño (1-0) recording the win and Jaden Hill pitching the ninth for his first career save.Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who hit for the cycle Monday, led off with a home run for the second straight game. Crow-Armstrong has reached base in 20 straight games, hitting safely in 19 of them.The Cubs (38-36) added another run in the second when Matt Shaw scored from third on a wild pitch after a Miguel Amaya ground-rule double.Castro doubled in Jake McCarthy to get the Rockies on the board in the third. Rumfield followed with a 385-foot shot to right center to make it 3-2.Cubs starter Edward Cabrera (4-4) allowed five runs on three hits in 4 1/3 innings, leaving the game in the fifth with a right hand cramp and two on base. Ryan Rolison allowed both inherited runners to score, one on a wild pitch and one on a Castro fielder's choice.The Cubs are batting 3 for 39 (.077) over the past three games and 12 for 83 (.145) over the past 11 with runners in scoring position, going 0 for 8 on Tuesday and leaving nine runners on base.Up NextThe three-game series wraps up Wednesday with Rockies LHP Sean Sullivan (0-0, 0.00 ERA) facing Cubs RHP Javier Assad (4-1, 3.99)___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

MEXICO CITY (AP) — The finest chapters of James Rodríguez's career have invariably been written in the yellow jersey of Colombia, particularly under the intense pressure of short-format tournaments. The 2026 World Cup offers the veteran midfielder a stage to summon his familiar magic.Rodríguez and Colombia play their tournament opener on Wednesday against Uzbekistan at Estadio Azteca.At 34 years old, Rodríguez is coming off a quiet stretch for Minnesota United of Major League Soccer, but Colombia players and coaches still believe he's a difference-maker.“James is in good shape, he has been improving physically and of course his talent and his attributes also make him a player who, sometimes without running as much as others, defines things and brings clarity to the game,” Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo said.It will be the third World Cup for Rodríguez, matching Carlos Valderrama and Freddy Rincón for the most by a Colombia player.“He’s very important for us debutants because he’s played in every World Cup; he’s a global icon,” said 23-year-old forward Carlos Gómez. “He has quality and a lot of experience. I watched him from home in 2014 and celebrated his goals; it’s very exciting for me to be with him.”A role player for his club, Rodríguez remains a star for his countryRodríguez arrives at the tournament with remarkably little mileage in his legs, having logged just eight appearances and 284 minutes for Minnesota during the first half of the 2026 MLS season.However, a lack of form in club play has never hindered his international output. Rodríguez has been a talisman during short summer tournaments. At the 2024 Copa América, he catalyzed Colombia’s march to the final and was named the event's most valuable player.His breakthrough came a decade earlier at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, when he won the Golden Boot with six goals and propelled Los Cafeteros to the quarterfinals, their best World Cup finish.“James, ever since we’ve seen him, or I since I was little, representing the country, it’s like he transforms when he puts on the jersey,” striker Luis Suárez said. “He’s a source of pride as an athlete and a teammate, not only for me but for many others. It’s a dream to be sharing the locker room with him.”His performance in 2014 earned him a transfer to Real Madrid, where he collected two La Liga titles over four seasons. That peak touched off a globetrotting club career, taking him through Bayern Munich, Everton, Al-Rayyan in Qatar, Olympiacos in Greece, and subsequent stints with São Paulo, Rayo Vallecano, Liga MX side Club León and Minnesota.Colombia seeks redemption after missing 2022 World CupColombia returns to soccer's grandest stage hungry for redemption after failing to make the 2022 edition in Qatar. It reached the knockout round in Russia in 2018, losing a penalty shootout against England.“The message is to enjoy it, to be grateful, and to give their all for the Colombian jersey,” Lorenzo said. “Thank God we’re back at this tournament after eight years. We’re excited and eager to do things right.”___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup

Photo by Roberto SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty ImagesJameis Winston’s World Cup run as a fan-facing personality has already produced one viral moment, and Argentina vs Algeria gave him another before the match even settled into its rhythm.The former No. 1 NFL Draft pick has fully embraced the tournament atmosphere, moving between stadium traditions and fan scenes with the same energy that made him a cult figure in American football.Kansas City’s build-up to Argentina’s opener gave him the perfect stage for a Messi-themed gag that was impossible to miss.With the game still live at the time of writing, Winston’s pre-match moment is already part of the wider spectacle around Argentina’s first step in Group J.Photo by New York Yankees/Getty ImagesJameis Winston brings goat in Lionel Messi shirt before Argentina vs AlgeriaIn a video shared by Katie Maher on X, Winston was seen at Kansas City’s Power & Light District with a goat dressed in a Messi jersey ahead of the match.The joke needed no explanation. Messi has long been at the center of the GOAT debate, and turning that argument into a live fan scene before a World Cup opener was an easy hit.At the time of writing, the match is still in progress, with Lionel Messi scoring a brace to put Argentina in a firm 2-0 lead over Algeria.That uncertainty is part of the live-match setting, but Winston’s entrance has already delivered one of the most memorable moments from the build-up. It was loud, simple and built perfectly for social media.Jameis Winston’s World Cup popularity grew after Japan cleanup momentWinston’s sudden World Cup visibility did not start with the Messi goat. He had already gone viral after joining Japanese fans in their tradition of cleaning up the stadium following Japan’s 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in Dallas.The gesture spread quickly because Japanese supporters are known for leaving their sections tidy after major soccer matches.Winston is working around the tournament as part of FOX Sports’ coverage, and his role has quickly become less formal analyst and more roaming personality. He has joined fan groups, leaned into local scenes and turned small cultural moments into clips that travel beyond the matches themselves.That is why the goat stunt fit. Winston is not just appearing at World Cup games, he is becoming part of the surrounding carnival, from helping with a post-match cleanup to carrying a Messi tribute through Kansas City.Read more:Jameis Winston explains why he joined Japanese fans cleaning stadium after World Cup drawJameis Winston sparks fan debate after weighing in on Jaxson Dart’s Donald Trump introduction

Two-sport, two-division ONE World Champion Roman Kryklia has unfinished business, and the Ukrainian intends to settle it once and for all at The Inner Circle 19.He collides with ONE Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion Samet “The King” Agdeve in a rematch, live in Asia primetime, inside Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, June 19. The entire card streams exclusively for members at live.onefc.com.View this post on InstagramThe heavyweight kickboxing gold slipped through Kryklia’s grasp at ONE Fight Night 37 last November. There, the debuting undefeated Turkish bruiser ended Kryklia’s seven-year unbeaten streak via unanimous decision.It was a moment that sent shockwaves through the striking realm, one that the ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai and ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion has since turned into fuel. Kryklia has spent the months since that loss dissecting what went wrong, confronting it honestly, and using it as the raw material for a better, sharper version of himself. He shared:“I’m very grateful to Samet for that clash. Despite losing that last fight, I had the opportunity to look back a lot on myself as a fighter, and it helped me change certain things in my routine.“I [wasn’t] lacking anything, but sometimes you discover new things about yourself when you lose. This time, I will bring a much better and more dangerous version.”View this post on InstagramThe Ukrainian knockout machine, who has finished seven of his eight promotional victories in highlight-reel fashion, arrives at this sequel with the kind of battle-tested clarity that only comes from having already stood across from the man. Alongside longtime head coach Andrey Gridin, Kryklia has wrapped up his camp at Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA at full intensity.Per the 34-year-old, the preparation has been exactly what this moment demands:“I would say that I have finished most of my preparation program. Most of the work had already been done before we flew into Thailand. But over the past few weeks, I’ve improved on some strength and conditioning skills.“I am also focusing on sharpening my weapons with my head coach, Andrey Gridin. I’ve been focusing more on drills, strategies, and movement with him throughout our camp here in Thailand.”View this post on InstagramThe blueprint is locked. The body is ready. Now, only one thing remains – and Friday night is where it all comes together.Agdeve arrives at The Inner Circle 19 at 18-0 and riding the momentum of one of the most perfect debuts on the global stage. The 22-year-old Turk is no passive titleholder, but Kryklia has never needed motivation from the outside. Everything he has invested in this camp points to one outcome. He explained:“I won’t share some of our strategies, our winning points, or key points for this fight. But all I want to say to fans is that you guys can have maximum expectations of me in this fight.“I’m ready for all five rounds, but of course, I’m always looking for a chance to knock out my opponent. This is my skill, and I proved it in my previous fights. I can’t tell you the round. I can’t tell you the prediction. But I can tell you, this will be a war that I will win.”View this post on InstagramKryklia’s Scouting Report On Agdeve: ‘Ordinary Fighter’Roman Kryklia has not stopped thinking about ONE Fight Night 37 since the final bell rang in November.The two-sport ONE World Champion has had months to watch, process, and analyze every round of that defeat, and what he has concluded is not a story of being outclassed.It is a story of a well-executed game plan meeting a version of himself that was not yet aware of its own vulnerabilities. The Ukrainian shared:“I think what makes him good is his strong side. But he had a good game plan from the first fight. He was ready, and his team’s strategy was good. I don’t think that he’s a top-level fighter – but this is not me trying to look down on him.“He was just an ordinary fighter for me. I’ve seen and fought with a lot of guys like him before. He’s young, hungry, and he had that hunger, which probably made him excited to fight someone like me.”View this post on InstagramThose words carry the quiet confidence of a man who has processed the loss completely and arrived at a clear-eyed verdict – not bitterness, not excuses, but a settled, surgical assessment of where the gap between them truly lies. Agdeve executed well. Kryklia knows it. He also knows it will not happen again. The 51-8 veteran has delivered his message to the undefeated Turk ahead of their rematch, and it is as direct as his punching style. The Champ Belts representative concluded:“Agdeve, let’s put on a show. I’m 200 percent mentally and physically prepared. I’m coming for a big win.“I’ve done everything I can throughout fight camp. Now, all that’s left is to go out there and [execute] my plan to get the win.”View this post on InstagramSource

Lionel Messi is now tied with Miroslav Klose for having the most goals in World Cup history, as the Inter Miami talisman registered a hat-trick during their opening win against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on Tuesday.The Argentine soccer star, who will turn 39 next week, opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a powerful strike from distance past Luca Zidane’s fingertips. His second goal came from a rebound after Alexis Mac Allister’s attempt was spilled by the goalkeeper at the hour mark.Messi completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute when he rifled the ball into the bottom left corner from outside the penalty box after receiving a pass from Nico Gonzalez. With the match already won, Messi left the pitch in the 79th minute and received a standing ovation from the crowd.It was a perfect start for Argentina, who will aim to lock the top spot in Group J with a win against Austria next Monday at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas. MORE: 10 World Cup stars with the biggest social media followings in 2026June 16, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.; Argentina’s Lionel Messi scores their third goal to complete a hat-trick. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn ImagesLionel Messi hit longevity feat before scoring hat-trick against AlgeriaBefore scoring three goals against Algeria, Lionel Messi recorded his 200th cap for Argentina. He also became the first player to compete at six World Cups, as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal has yet to open their World Cup 2026 campaign.As well as moving level with Miroslav Klose in the World Cup’s all-time scoring list, Messi has now scored more goals from outside the penalty area than any other player since 1966, level with Brazil’s Rivellino.Messi can easily surpass Klose in Argentina’s upcoming matches against Austria and Jordan and into the knockouts. Meanwhile, another World Cup star is coming for the scoring crown, as Kylian Mbappe already has 14 goals in the quadrennial tournament, following his brace in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal a few hours ago.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Dylan Vigue and Justin Byrd combined on a four-hitter and Georgia made the most of its few offensive opportunities to oust Texas from the College World Series with a 2-0 victory Tuesday night.The Bulldogs (53-13) beat the Longhorns (46-15) twice in four days to advance to the Bracket 2 final against Oklahoma. Georgia would have to beat the Sooners on Wednesday and again Thursday to go to the best-of-three championship round for the first time since 2008.The Bulldogs, who struck out 17 times and had just five hits against Luke Harrison and Sam Cozart, scored single runs in the fifth and seventh innings and relied on a strong pitching encore to Joey Volchko's 15-strikeout four-hitter in a 7-1 win over Longhorns on Saturday.Vigue allowed two hits and struck out eight in four innings and Byrd gave up two hits and fanned four the rest of the way.In two games against Texas, Georgia pitchers held the Longhorns to 8-of-60 hitting (.133) with no extra-base hits and struck out 27.Harrison (6-4), making his first start since May 29, was in total control early and finished with a career-high 11 strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.The Bulldogs scored in the fifth when Tre Phelps, who was 1 for 11 in the CWS and struck out his first two times at bat, doubled in Brennan Hudson for Georgia's first hit. Georgia added a run in the seventh against Sam Cozart after coming out on the good side of three challenges.Texas center fielder Dariyan Pendergrass attempted a diving catch on Ryan Black's fly to start the inning. The ball popped out when Pendergrass' glove hit the ground. The initial call was good catch. Georgia challenged and the call was reversed. With Black on third, Rylan Lujo popped up to short left. Black tagged up and beat Adrian Rodriguez's throw to the plate. Texas challenged the call, and video showed Black got his hand under Carson Tinney's tag. Texas challenged again a moment later, this time that Black left third early. Video showed he did not.The Longhorns' last best chance to score came in the eighth when Rodriguez, who hit for the cycle against Alabama on Monday, came up with men on first and second and two outs. He grounded out.Georgia's shutout followed West Virginia's 12-0 win over Troy, marking the first day at the CWS since 1973 that there were multiple shutouts.__AP college sports: https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports

HOUSTON (AP) — Raynel Delgado drove in two runs in the eighth inning in his second major league game to help lift the Houston Astros to a 4-2 win over the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night.With Houston down 2-1, Delgado hit a single to center field that sent Yainer Diaz and Cam Smith home.The Astros added another run later in the inning, after Joey Loperfido ran home on Jeremy Peña's groundout to first. After review, Peña was ruled safe at first and the run counted.Diaz returned from the injured list after being out for more than two months with an oblique strain. Starting pitcher Hunter Brown also returned from the injured list after sustaining a shoulder strain in April. Brown pitched 5 2/3 innings, striking out seven. He gave up three hits and walked three, and gave up a run.Bryan King (2-1) pitched the eighth inning, throwing 11 pitches, seven of them strikes. He walked one and gave up a run. Josh Hader earned his third save of the season, striking out Jake Rogers to end the game. Hao-Yu Lee hit an RBI single in the second for the Tigers for a 1-0 lead. The Astros tied the game in the fifth after Delgado made it home on a passed ball by Dillon Dingler at the plate. Lee scored on Dingler’s flyout in the eighth.Kieder Montero (3-5) entered the game in the seventh for the Tigers. He pitched 1 1/3 innings, striking out two, giving up two hits, and one run. Colt Keith was scratched from the Tigers’ lineup due to a sore right wrist. Up nextRHP Casey Mize (2-3, 2.27 ERA) is scheduled to make his return from the injured list for the Tigers on Wednesday for the final game of the series. RHP Peter Lambert (5-4, 3.47) will start for the Astros.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Broncos' Bo Nix provides encouraging update amid right ankle recovery originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Denver Broncos star quarterback Bo Nix provided an encouraging update amid his recovery after undergoing two separate surgeries for the fractured right ankle he suffered in the AFC divisional round against the Buffalo Bills in January. Nix underwent an initial surgery after suffering the injury and then had a follow-up surgery to deal with bone spurs in April. He's recovering well from both surgeries and is on track to be ready for the start of Broncos training camp at the end of July. Bo Nix on track to be ready for start of Broncos training camp Nix provided some insight into the thought process behind his second surgery during Denver's mandatory minicamp this week. "[I] felt pretty good, was still having a little bit of an issue with bone spurs. What we did was -- even though I probably could've gone again and [played] the whole season again -- it was just aggravating me for too long," Nix explained. "So, what we did was, since I was a little bit ahead, thought it best to go ahead and decompress it a little bit. Then [I] still had plenty of time to get back for the summer and to prepare for the season. ... Just wanted to go ahead and get [the spurs] out of the way for good. ... The doctors told me that the ankle looks good as new. We're right back to normal.''Nix was a limited participant at minicamp, but Broncos head coach Sean Payton was impressed with what he saw from the star signal-caller. "He's doing well, he's doing really well,'' Payton said of Nix. "He'll clearly be ready in time for training camp. ... It's good to have him out here in uniform.''This story will be updated. More NFL news: Giants' John Harbaugh provides encouraging update on Malik NabersBaker Mayfield sends clear message regarding his future with Tampa Bay BuccaneersJared Verse gets brutally honest about trade from Rams to BrownsDallas Cowboys urged to trade edge rusher before start of 2026 NFL seasonMyles Garrett sends message to Cleveland Browns fans after trade to Rams

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 5: Kevin Alcántara #13 of the Chicago Cubs bats in a game against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field on June 5, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images) | Getty Images Catcher Owen Ayers was named Southern League Player of the Week.Outfielder Josiah Hartshorn was named Midwest League Player of the Week.The Cubs acquired right-hander Yosver Zulueta from the Mariners for cash. Zulueta joined Triple-A Iowa.Right-handers Ryan Jensen and Zac Leigh were demoted from Triple-A Iowa to rookie ball ACL Cubs. That’s (I assume) a technical move that allows them to work in the Cubs pitch lab in Mesa.Right-hander Vince Reilly joins Iowa from Double-A Knoxville.Iowa shortstop Scott Kingery went on the temporarily inactive list.Right-hander Emilio Ramos went from the ACL Cubs to Low-A Myrtle Beach. I don’t normally mention Monday’s ACL Cubs game, but right-hander Jaxon Wiggins threw the first two innings in that game in a rehab assignment. Everyone won except Knoxville, who was the one team that needed to win. Iowa CubsThe Iowa Cubs beat Indianapolis (Pirates), 13-7.Another rough start for Jordan Wicks, who got tagged for six runs on nine hits over three innings. He struck out four and walked no one.Tyler Beede pitched the next two innings, didn’t allow a run, and got the win. He didn’t allow a hit, but he did walk one while striking out three.Left fielder Kevin Alcántara hit a solo home run off of José Urquidy in the third inning. It was The Jaguar’s 16th home run this season. Alcántara was a perfect 3 for 3 with a double, the home run and two walks. He also stole a base. Alcántara scored three times and had two runs batted in.DH Christian Bethancourt hit his sixth home run of the year with a man on in the fourth inning. Bethancourt was 3 for 4 with a two-run double and the home run. He had the four RBI.Center fielder Brett Bateman was 2 for 5 with a steal. He scored twice.Second baseman James Triantos went 2 for 5 with a stolen base and one run scored.First baseman Jonathon Long was 2 for 5 wth an RBI double in the fifth. He scored twice.DH Chas McCormick was 2 for 4 with a walk. McCormick scored twice and drove in one run. An RBI double for Bethencourt.Bethancourt doubles home a run! pic.twitter.com/3c9mhxBNRf— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) June 17, 2026The blast by The Jaguar went 432 feet.16th home run of the season for Kevin!🚀 pic.twitter.com/YNr2G42mX8— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) June 17, 2026Bethancourt’s home run.Bethancourt hits his sixth homer of the season! pic.twitter.com/Srsl2L7HJ4— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) June 17, 2026An RBI double for Long.Jonny Long doubles home a run! pic.twitter.com/6gReq08rsJ— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) June 17, 2026An RBI double for BJ Murray. Murray was 1 for 4 with a walk.BJ Murray drives in our 13th run of the night! pic.twitter.com/6AilHTMa4x— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) June 17, 2026Knoxville SmokiesThe Knoxville Smokies were extinguished by the Chattanooga Lookouts (Reds), 5-3. The loss moves Knoxville and Chattanooga into a first-place tie in the division.Connor Schultz started and took the loss after allowing three runs on six hits over 4.2 innings. Two of the three runs were unearned. Schultz struck out six and walked just one. Right fielder Alex Ramírez connected for a solo home run in the sixth inning. It was his eighth on the year. Ramírez was 1 for 3 with two walks.Third baseman Jefferson Rojas was 2 for 4 with a double and he scored one run.Catcher Ariel Armas had a two-run single in the sixth. He went 1 for 4.DH Owen Ayers was 0 for 3 with a walk and one run scored. This snapped his streak of ten-straight games with at least two hits.A great throw from Armas.Ariel Armas cuts down his 27th runner of the season, the most in Double-A ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/g4wPhhUIWi— Knoxville Smokies (@smokiesbaseball) June 17, 2026The Ramírez home run.Alex Ramirez gets the scoring started with his 8th big fly of the season 💣 pic.twitter.com/FQrQIetK7M— Knoxville Smokies (@smokiesbaseball) June 17, 2026South Bend CubsThe South Bend Cubs cracked the Ft. Wayne TinCaps (Padres), 4-3.Starter Kevin Valdez gave up three runs, all in the bottom of the second, over four innings. Valdez surrendered four hits and walked two. He struck out five.Ft. Wayne did not have a hit after the second inning. Ben Johnson pitched the fifth, sixth and seventh innings and only allowed one baserunner, a hit batter in the seventh. That runner was promptly thrown out trying to steal. Johnson struck out one and got the win.Grayson Moore entered the game with a man on third and two outs in the eighth. He got a strikeout to end that threat and retired all four batters he faced for the save. He struck out three of them.Third baseman Matt Halbach went 3 for 4 with two doubles and a solo home run in the sixth inning. It was Halbach’s fifth home run of the season. Halbach scored three times.DH Miguel Useche was 2 for 4 with an RBI groundout and an RBI single in the top of the eighth that put South Bend up 4-3. Left fielder Jose Escobar was 2 for 4 with a double.Second baseman Alex Madera went 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI single in the second inning.Halbach’s home run.Game-tying @hoosierlottery home run, Matt Halbach!#SBCubspic.twitter.com/3GReKsUfha— South Bend Cubs (@SBCubs) June 17, 2026Myrtle Beach PelicansThe Myrtle Beach Pelicans egged the Delmarva Shorebirds (Orioles), 12-4.Braylon Myers pitched the first four innings without allowing a run. He surrendered three hits. He walked one and struck out two.Daniel Avitia pitched the next three innings, gave up four runs and got the win because Myers didn’t pitch five innings. Avitia allowed the four runs on three hits and three walks. That includes a three-run home run. Avitia struck out two.Center fielder Alexey Lumpuy was 2 for 5 with an RBI double.Catcher Logan Poteet went 2 for 4 with a double and a walk. He scored three times.First baseman Michael Carico was also 2 for 4 with a double and a walk. Carico also scored three times.Right fielder Eli Lovich was 2 for 5 with two runs scored.Third baseman Yahil Melendez went 1 for 2 with a double and three walks. Melendez scored two runs and had two RBI.RBI double for Yahil Melendez.The party has started, thanks Yahil. pic.twitter.com/Ln328TRG2f— Myrtle Beach Pelicans (@Pelicanbaseball) June 16, 2026RBI double for Lumpuy was almost a carbon copy.RBI double from Lumpuy extends the lead!! pic.twitter.com/dFcPw9qgmT— Myrtle Beach Pelicans (@Pelicanbaseball) June 17, 2026ACL CubsBeat the Athletics, 9-6.Brody McCullough pitched his first game since May of 2024. He gave up two runs over two innings, but the important thing was that he pitched.

Celtics get major Jaylen Brown-Giannis Antetokounmpo trade update after reported offer originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Boston Celtics are interested in adding Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo to their flawed roster this offseason, and it’s no secret.The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is on the record stating that the Celtics have already made an offer for Antetokounmpo, proving they’re far from just all talk when it comes to aggressively pursuing the two-time MVP. Shortly after Simmons’ report, The Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn provided the public with an update on the 18-time NBA champions’ chances of swapping Jaylen Brown for Antetokounmpo in the near future.“I don’t think he's going to be a Celtic, and that’s just from what I’m hearing," Washburn said Monday. "I think the Celtics are gauging what it would take to get Giannis to Boston and trying to figure out whether they want to move Jaylen Brown.”Moving Brown is the only way for the Celtics to give themselves the best possible chance to land Antetokounmpo. The Miami Heat are reportedly making a strong push for the 10-time All-Star, and if the Celtics don’t want him to take his talents to South Beach, they must be willing to part ways with their highly regarded 29-year-old coming off a career year (he 28.7 points per game on a Boston squad without Jayson Tatum for most of the year). It remains to be seen if they will, though.More NBA news:Spurs predicted to outbid Warriors for $101 million Lakers star, four-time NBA championLakers rumor is good news for Luka Doncic, bad news for LeBron JamesLakers predicted to cut ties with Dalton Knecht, acquire $175 million two-time MVP

Mets make big Kodai Senga call following brutal meltdown against Reds originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Kodai Senga is not going anywhere, confirmed New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza on Tuesday, following his lackluster return against the Cincinnati Reds.The right-hander returned nearly two months following his recovery from lumbar spine inflammation. In the very first inning, the Japanese pitcher allowed two walks, a three-run homer to Sal Stewart and a solo home run to Spencer Steer as Cincinnati climbed to a 4-0 lead. He pitched three more innings without giving more runs, but the first-inning meltdown of Senga proved to be enough for the Reds, in what turned out to be an eventual 5-3 loss for the Mets.Despite the underwhelming returns, manager Mendoza fully supports the Mets ace to stay in the rotation.Mendoza: Kodai Senga likely to remain in Mets rotation, via @AnthonyDiComo.— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) June 17, 2026MORE: Mets get Bo Bichette trade outlook that appears to be $42 million mistakeKodai Senga velocity hints at positive outlookKodai Senga's fastballs sat in the low-90s during his rehab assignment. However, in his first start back in the majors, the right-hander hit 97.9 mph on the radar gun. The only problem was that he didn't have a good command, which is why there was the first-inning meltdown. Apart from two walks he allowed in the first inning, Senga allowed walks in the third and fourth innings.After Tuesday's outing, Senga's ERA was inflated to 9.00 across six starts. He is 0-5, striking out 28 against 17 walks.The Mets will hope Senga manages to take control of his fastballs when he laces up the mound in his next start, which could happen next week.More MLB news:Blue Jays' Max Scherzer has radical idea to empower starting pitchersPhillies extending Cristopher Sanchez to his $107 million deal was geniusA walk-off home run in an MLB debut, truly a dream come trueA 'gentlemanly' baserunning move confused the umpires, and everyone elseOneil Cruz is Pirates' big trade deadline question

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland provide a World Cup day made in heaven originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.It shaped up as a day handed down by the soccer gods -- football, if you prefer, but divine either way.France and Kylian Mbappe to start Tuesday's FIFA World Cup action. Norway and Erling Haaland in the next time slot. And as the main act, Lionel Messi and defending champion Argentina.Three of the best attacking players in the history of the sport, each at a slightly different point in their timeline of powers, all still absolute box office when on the pitch.And this potentially special Tuesday lived up to the billing and then some.Mbappe scored twice for France, the second an audacious rocket to tear Senegal's hearts out from 25 yards.Haaland scored twice, too, leading Norway past Iraq.And then there was the maestro Messi, needing to outdo that duo, scoring a hat trick to prove himself the World Cup's all-time best.MORE: Cape Verde pulls off one of craziest results in World Cup historySometimes, fans turn on the World Cup to root for upsets or shocks, like Cape Verde drawing Spain a day earlier.But sometimes, it's about the stars, the super duper stars, the guys that need no introduction: Mbappe, Haaland, Messi.These guys can all handle high expectations, but that doesn't always mean they deliver.Mbappe and France sleepwalked through the first half against Senegal, but then he made a smart run, slotted in a low finish and had the French side off and running. The superstars didn't really stop from there.Haaland and Messi each made sure there'd be no question of the outcome of their matches, with Algeria getting an up-close look at Messi's magnificence.He may not have seen Mbappe's second goal, but Messi's first wasn't much different, turning after receiving a pass with his back to goal and firing in a left-footed rocket.MORE: Gianni Infantino's private jet is doing a lot of workThere's a phrase in world football: "Unplayable."To an American audience, that might sound like the suggestion is that someone is so bad that they shouldn't be on the field.That's not how it's used in this context, though. Here, it means that a defense can't find a way to play against a particular opponent. The offensive player is so good, so unstoppable, that he's "unplayable."At their best, that's what Mbappe and Haaland and Messi are.And in one of the best kind of gifts granted by those watching over The Beautiful Game, that trio of legends found some of their best form all at once on Tuesday.There'll be plenty more great moments at this World Cup, but a day with seven combined goals from this generation's scoring superstars will be tough to top.More FIFA World Cup news:Japan fans clean up the stadium after World Cup gamesSpain makes a massive Lamine Yamal mistakeRef cams are making quite the fashion statementLawrence, Kansas has fallen in love with the Algerian national teamPink cleats are everywhere at the World Cup

Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty ImagesSkip Bayless said Lionel Messi was “even bigger than Taylor Swift” after the Argentina captain produced a stunning hat-trick against Algeria at the FIFA World Cup.Messi delivered another historic performance on football’s biggest stage, scoring all three goals in Argentina’s 3-0 victory and moving level with Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.The display left Bayless in awe, with the veteran sports analyst sharing a series of posts on X as he watched Messi continue to rewrite the record books.Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesSkip Bayless says Lionel Messi was ‘bigger than Taylor Swift’ at ArrowheadMessi’s latest World Cup masterclass took place at Arrowhead Stadium, where he scored all three goals in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria.Bayless reacted to the performance with a post comparing Messi’s impact to one of the world’s biggest celebrities.“Tonight at Arrowhead, Messi was even bigger than Taylor Swift.”Bayless’ reference was a nod to Swift’s regular appearances at Kansas City Chiefs games at Arrowhead Stadium, where she is frequently seen supporting her fiancé Travis Kelce.As Messi continued to make headlines, Bayless became more animated in his praise.“MESSI, almost 39, GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL.”Messi’s first goal helped Argentina take control of the match before he added two more to complete a memorable hat-trick.Bayless marvels at Messi’s World Cup brillianceBayless continued posting throughout the game as Messi edged closer to football history.“MESSI, again. 2-0. And nearly again! He always seems to materialize at the perfect place as the perfect time. Genius anticipation. Feet like hands. At nearly 39 still looks like he could run forever. And listed at only 5-7 and 147 pounds! Privilege to watch this.”When Messi completed his hat-trick, Bayless turned his attention to the records now within reach.“MESSI, AGAIN!!! HAT TRICK!!! ONE AWAY FROM ALL-TIME RECORD!!! GOAT SHOWCASE!!!”The three goals moved Messi onto 16 World Cup goals, allowing him to surpass Brazilian legend Ronaldo and draw level with Miroslav Klose at the top of the tournament’s all-time scoring chart.Messi also reached two other major milestones during the match, making his 200th appearance for Argentina and becoming the first player in football history to feature at six different World Cups.Read more:Lionel Messi surpasses Ronaldo as he matches all-time World Cup record with stunning hat-trickJameis Winston turns up to Argentina vs Algeria carrying a goat dressed in a Lionel Messi shirtLionel Messi equals insane 60-year World Cup record with a thunderous goal vs. Algeria

Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the 2026 World Cup Group J football match between Argentina and Algeria at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City on June 16, 2026. (JUAN MABROMATA)Lionel Messi saluted a "beautiful moment" after becoming the World Cup's joint all-time leading goalscorer in his record-breaking sixth finals appearance on Tuesday.The 38-year-old Argentina captain etched another memorable chapter in his glittering career with a brilliant hat-trick in the South Americans' 3-0 win over Algeria at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium.Messi's hat-trick -- his first ever in the World Cup -- vaulted him alongside Germany's Miroslav Klose as the top scorer in the tournament's history with 16 goals."To enjoy this with my family, with my teammates, the ones who are always there, is a really beautiful moment," Inter Miami star Messi said afterwards. "I'm happy."Messi's razor-sharp eye for goal augurs well for Argentina's hopes of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cup titles."The squad, it's a very united, very strong group," Messi said."I feel good; we were lucky enough to win a tough match. It's important to start off with a win in the first game. "I'm grateful to the fans, because once again they've shown that Argentina is crazy about this -- we packed the stadium again."Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni meanwhile said he no longer has "the words to describe Messi.""For 20 years, he's had us used to seeing things like this, and he inspires everyone who watches him play," Scaloni said of Messi's performance.Scaloni is now targeting Argentina's second Group J game against Austria on Monday as the South Americans look to lock up their place in the knockout rounds."We're going to take it one game at a time. The team is happy; we gave playing time to a lot of players," Scaloni said. "Hopefully we can win the next one so everyone can be in the third group stage match."rcw/gjrcw/gj

The Washington Commanders opened their three-day minicamp on Tuesday, and head coach Dan Quinn delivered the news: the minicamp would not be cut short. Quinn has been known to give his players extra time in the past, but after such a disappointing 2025 season, plus two new coordinators and several new starters, he understands the team needs the work. As expected, Washington had 100% participation at minicamp, and the vibes surrounding the team feel very different from what they did one year ago. Here are five takeaways from Day 1 of the Commanders' minicamp. InjuriesGood news on the injury front. Last week, wide receivers Terry McLaurin and rookie Antonio Williams missed some time at OTAs. They were back on the field for minicamp. As it turns out, it was nothing serious. In more good news for Washington, running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was back and participated fully in team and individual drills. Croskey-Merritt worked on the side during OTAs. Four players missed practice, but it's the same group that did not participate during OTAs: cornerback Trey Amos, defensive end Deatrich Wise, edge Dorance Armstrong and defensive tackle Tim Settle. These players are all still recovering from injuries from last season. Quinn hasn't given an update on if they'll all be ready for training camp, but he is not required to do so in the offseason. DepthWhen Quinn met with the media before practice, he emphasized one word: depth."Some of the players who've got the most reps will get some of the least in this camp," Quinn said. "Some of the ones who've had some of the least will actually get the most. And really, the purpose behind that is to test where we're at. The whole depth. Top to bottom. And if we want to throw the very best camp, in you know, 39 days or whatever from now, then having that depth is a big piece of that."That's a smart strategy from Quinn. The Commanders were ravaged by injuries last season, so testing that depth early, seeing who fits where ahead of training camp, makes a ton of sense. Certain positions, such as wide receiver, are probably more important to test that depth, where it's Terry McLaurin and everyone else battling for a spot in the pecking order. Ben SinnottWhen the Commanders signed Chig Okonkwo this offseason, some fans wrote off 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott. Well, Washington hasn't written off Sinnott. Perhaps, Sinnott wasn't a great fit in Kliff Kingsbury's offense, but things could be different with David Blough. Sinnott is more than a traditional tight end. He can line up in the backfield, the slot, or as an in-line tight end. There has been a quiet buzz around Sinnott this offseason. Couple nuggets from minicamp:Ben Sinnott with two good catches, one down the right sideline and another over the middle. Rarely saw him in those areas last season. Jake Moody was 4-6 on FGs, missing from 38 and 48. Drew Stevens was perfect on all 6.— John Keim (@john_keim) June 16, 2026Sinnott will have a role in this offense. So will Okonkwo and John Bates. While some worry about the Commanders not having a clear No. 2 receiver, consider that they will use the tight ends frequently under Blough. That's probably why they aren't as concerned as the media or fans about who will line up opposite McLaurin. UDFA making noiseIt's widely known that the Commanders have a lot of bodies at wide receiver. And, for the most part, Washington has an idea who it's going to keep. McLaurin, Antonio Williams, Luke McCaffrey, Treylon Burks, Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson all appear to be the top six in no particular order behind McLaurin. However, the uncertainty can open opportunities for others, such as undrafted wide receiver Jaden Bradley. The 6-foot-4 rookie from UNLV made some plays during OTAs and stood out again on Tuesday. Here's this from Zach Selby of commanders.com. The Commanders' receiver room looks to be mostly locked up at this point in the offseason, but there are a few young players looking to stand out and make their case. Jaden Bradley has been a good example of that throughout the offseason. He's often getting tips from veteran Terry McLaurin, and he's made some contested catches during 11-on-11 drills. He and [Athan] Kaliakmanis seem to be developing a good rapport, as Bradley caught three passes from the quarterback throughout the day.Bradley has some things going for him, such as size. While it will still be a fight for him to make the 53, a strong minicamp followed by an impressive training camp can help his cause. Kicking updateThis may be the most intense battle throughout training camp. Jake Moody and rookie Drew Stevens are in a legit competition for the job. Some days, Moody looks better. Other days, it's Stevens turn to hold the advantage. However, neither has been bad. On Tuesday, Stevens was perfect, making all six of his kicks, including one from 54 yards. Moody made four of his six attempts. This is probably the competition to watch when training camp starts because both players will enter on equal footing. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: 5 takeaways from Day 1 of minicamp

Why Cristiano Ronaldo's best chance of winning a first World Cup with Portugal is as a back-up originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.How do you prepare to face Cristiano Ronaldo? It's a question that has tormented opponents of soccer's greatest ever goal-scorer for most of the 21st century. But maybe the task is not as taxing as it used to be.Pep Guardiola grappled with the Ronaldo conundrum for the last time in March 2022, as Manchester City pursued the Premier League title. To hold off Jurgen Klopp's relentless Liverpool, a derby victory over Manchester United was a must.Ronaldo had returned to Old Trafford in a blaze of glory the previous August. He scored goals; he always does. But United's collective form nose-dived, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked. Interim boss Ralf Rangnick, a pioneer of the high-pressing gegenpressing style, picked up the pieces.To prepare for United, Guardiola set up an 11 vs. 11 practice match, with City's youth teamers tasked with mimicking the United players' expected movements. According to a report by The Athletic, Oscar Bobb was given the Ronaldo role and had to go against his instincts. He was told to close down the City centre-backs initially, but then to stop and not press fully.MORE:Ranking the 11 greatest FIFA World Cup tournaments by an individual playerRonaldo ended up sitting out City's 4-1 victory with a hip problem, but it feels telling that the method of preparing how to face the veteran superstar forward was to instruct someone basically to stand around and not do much.That was almost four and a half years ago, which begs another question: what exactly are we expecting from a 41-year-old Ronaldo at his sixth World Cup?2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup ticketsDo Cristiano Ronaldo and Roberto Martinez get along?Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez is unequivocal over Ronaldo's place in the Portugal team."He's scored 25 goals in 30 matches under my management. The numbers make the argument for him," Martinez told Four Four Two this month. "Our standard for selection is identical for every single player, and it's very high. Cristiano meets it. He's not in the squad because of what he was, but because his present form earns it every time."Five of those goals came in five World Cup qualifying games. Ronaldo also answered accusations that he can't do it against the major nations anymore by netting against Germany in the semifinal and Spain in the final of Portugal's 2024/25 UEFA Nations League triumph.The numbers almost always tell a very good story and he has plenty to call upon. He was and remains a phenomenon, relentless and insatiable in his pursuit of goals. But they don't tell the whole picture.🚨🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo is ready for the FIFA World Cup. 🐐🏆 pic.twitter.com/fTBYqGf8Fg— World Cup 2026 (@WorldCupMedia_) June 14, 2026By the end of the year that Manchester City prepared to face Ronaldo by telling an energetic youngster not to do anything, his second spell at United ended abruptly amid a rapidly deteriorating relationship with manager Erik ten Hag.After the Qatar World Cup — where Ronaldo failed to score from open play, was dropped from the starting lineup and saw his replacement Goncalo Ramos score a hat-trick in the 6-1 last-16 win over Switzerland — he joined Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Finally, at the fourth time of asking, Ronaldo's club won the Pro League title in 2026. In the meantime, he played at Euro 2024 and did not score at all as Portugal beat Slovenia in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw in the first knockout round and lost to France on spot-kicks after another goalless stalemate.Ronaldo then returned to the loving bosom of a UEFA qualifying campaign, where he has plundered so many goals. He did so again on the road to the 2026 World Cup, although it's maybe worth noting that Portugal hammered minnows Armenia 9-1 when he was suspended for their last Group F match.MORE:The 21 most infamous moments in FIFA World Cup historyShould Portugal drop Cristiano Ronaldo to win the World Cup?Ronaldo should not have had a scoreless Euro 2024. During the second half of extra time against Slovenia, he had a penalty saved by Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak. At fulltime, Ronaldo was in floods of retching tears. He recovered to dispatch the first kick in the shootout as the Selecao won 3-0, but the whole emotional outpouring felt unhelpful: not the sort of thing you expect from an experienced elder statesman; precisely what you anticipate from a preening egoist.It's no secret that Ronaldo likes to be the centre of attention. He always has and, over the course of one of the greatest individual careers in soccer history, it's not done him a lot of harm. Everyone outside of his most ardent fans will have eye-rolling examples of when he's done something in a ridiculously self-serving manner.It's certainly not a new development. A decade ago at Euro 2016, when Ronaldo dragged a limited Portugal to the final and had to watch on anxiously from the sidelines after he suffered an injury in the final, Eder, the unheralded replacement at centre-forward, scored the winner to stun hosts France in extra time. Ronaldo had the major international honour he craved (before Lionel Messi had one, something of obvious importance that he would never publicly acknowledge), and he was celebrated as the talismanic leader who made it all possible.In 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo won more trophies (4) than he lost games (3) 😮‍💨✅🏆 pic.twitter.com/r0lqodQmNQ— OneFootball (@OneFootball) October 7, 2025That was true, but a recurring feature of an often arduous Portuguese tournament was Ronaldo loudly and visibly lambasting those around him. Right-back Cedric Soares took several ear-bashings. A 0-0 draw against Austria in Paris, where Ronaldo failed from the penalty spot and the crowd chanted Messi's name, became a needlessly angst-ridden occasion, simply because of his presence.In 2016, Ronaldo had just won his third career Champions League, the first of a historic three in a row with Real Madrid. He won his fourth Ballon d'Or and a fifth followed in 2017. At this stage, he was absolutely and unquestionably worth the hassle.But, from a dizzyingly high peak, it has been a story of gradual decline. There's no shame in that; Ronaldo was reaching and has long since passed the age when most elite soccer players retire. It has been a long time since he indisputably improved a team. Yes, he scored goals aplenty at Juventus and United, but both of those teams functioned less effectively as a collective with Ronaldo bolted on and have toiled since. Portugal has improved, on account of an incredible production line of talent that has produced diamonds since Euro 2016. There's no more cajoling the likes of Soares and Eder. Martinez can call upon Bruno Fernandes after the season of his life at Manchester United. Bernardo Silva captained Manchester City to two trophies; if he hadn't, Ruben Dias could very well have been the man with the armband. Vitinha, Joao Neves and Nuno Mendes have all excelled in back-to-back Champions League triumphs with Paris Saint-Germain. This collective does not need a 41-year-old with negligible use outside of the 18-yard box to be more potent.A couple of things play in Ronaldo's favour. Firstly, he is immensely popular with sections of the United States sporting public. If you're a "grindset" guy, you're probably a Ronaldo guy. Dropping him at any stage would cause a preposterous amount of turbulence around Portugal games. Given Martinez clearly still sees value in playing the veteran, it's probably worth avoiding the noise. Then there's the simple fact that Ramos has not kicked on since his World Cup hat-trick and is a bit-part player at PSG, unable to make an iron-clad case that he should be his country's starting No. 9.That's because PSG play without a fixed centre-forward and an array of rotating, gifted attackers. Portugal could do that at this World Cup — Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao and rising star Francisco Conceicao bombing around all over the place as Fernandes racks up assists and Silva, Neves and Vitinha take a grip of games, refusing to let go.They won't, but they should. Starting against DR Congo and Uzbekistan could ease Ronaldo into the tournament. There might even be a few goals. But the risk is that what at first looks like moving forward will become a team standing still and passed. A bit like that Guardiola training drill from four years ago, preparing for a man over the hill.MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:Who will win the World Cup in 2026?Updated FIFA World RankingsHow World Cup qualifying worksExplaining the expanded World Cup bracketFull list of teams to qualify for 2026 World Cup

Brittney Sykes injury update leads to worst fears for Toronto Tempo originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Brittney Sykes has looked right at home with the Toronto Tempo.That simply adds to the heartbreak of the injury she sustained on Tuesday night while taking on the Indiana Fever.It was a non-contact injury as Sykes looked to cut from the right wing.She went down in clear pain, and her teammates recognized the severity almost immediately. They came and surrounded her to keep the cameras away.Fans almost immediately feared the worst after seeing this:Man, prayers up for Brittney Sykes. Looks like her knee gave out again. It's serious though, you can see her reaction. Check it out in this clip. #20. Off the ball. :( pic.twitter.com/aLlJLBsz66— Jet (@_jetgaming) June 17, 2026Most of the speculation has been about Sykes' Achilles.So far, the Tempo simply termed it a non-contact foot injury.Sykes entered the night averaging 20.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.Now 32 years old, she likely doesn't have a ton of years left at the top of her game, and if this is indeed a season-ender, that's a real shame.Tempo fans will hope for positive test results on this, but it doesn't look good.No update on Sykes from Brondello. Said she'll be evaluated, but hopes it's not too serious.I just saw her in the hallway on a scooter with ice on her foot. Seemed to be in good spirits.— Kareem Copeland (@kareemcopeland) June 17, 2026MORE: Jalen Brunson won that championship for all the little guys

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty ImagesLionel Messi’s World Cup opener against Algeria quickly became the kind of performance that does not stay inside the stadium for long.Argentina’s 3-0 win was built entirely around their captain, who scored all three goals and turned the night into another milestone chapter in his international career.The reaction soon moved from the pitch to social media, where fans rushed to find the latest clips, stats, and debates around his performance. That rush came at exactly the wrong moment for one of X’s most-used features.Photo by Hakan Akgun/Anadolu via Getty ImagesLionel Messi’s hat-trick draws level with Miroslav Klose in World Cup historyMessi’s hat-trick gave Argentina the perfect start to their title defense and pushed him even further into the tournament’s record books.The three goals took Messi to 16 career World Cup goals, equalling Miroslav Klose for the most in men’s tournament history. It was also his first World Cup hat-trick, delivered in his sixth appearance at the tournament.The performance was more than just numbers. Messi gave Argentina control, set the tone for Group J and turned the opener into a record night before the tournament had even settled.It also sparked the kind of online wave that only a few athletes can create. Once the hat-trick was complete, fans were not just reacting to Argentina’s win, they were trying to place Messi’s latest achievement in World Cup history.Lionel Messi’s hat-trick appears to break the X search featureAfter Messi’s third goal, X’s search feature appeared to struggle as fans flooded the platform for updates, highlights and reaction.Search attempts were met with a “Something went wrong, try again” error. While there is no direct proof that Messi alone caused the issue, the timing made it feel like part of the wider reaction to his performance.It was another reminder of how quickly Messi can take over the online conversation. A hat-trick in a World Cup opener is already a huge story, but matching Klose’s record gave it the kind of historic pull that drives global search traffic within minutes.That is the scale of Messi’s influence in 2026. He can decide a match, move level with the World Cup’s greatest scoring mark and make social media feel overloaded in the same night.Read more:Skip Bayless makes ‘bigger than Taylor Swift’ claim after Lionel Messi’s amazing World Cup hat-trickSoccer fans slam VAR blunder after Lionel Messi avoid booking for horrendous tackle vs AlgeriaLionel Messi surpasses Ronaldo as he matches all-time World Cup record with stunning hat-trick

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani hit his 15th home run of the season and Justin Wrobleski threw six innings to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 1-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.Ohtani hit a first-pitch solo home run off Drew Rasmussen in the sixth inning to break a scoreless game.The home run to center field was just the cushion the left-handed Wrobleski (8-2) needed. Wrobleski allowed just three hits, stuck out five and walked none.Tanner Scott earned his ninth save of the season after retiring the side in the ninth.Rasmussen (6-3) pitched well, too, with his only blemish being the Ohtani home run. Rasmussen threw seven innings and allowed one run on six hits. He struck out seven.Ohtani has been heating up at the plate, with four home runs in the last six games. He will not bat Wednesday but he is pitching for the first time since knee inflammation caused him to miss a game last week.Ohtani was 1-for-4 Tuesday with two strikeouts.The pitchers duel featured just one walk and moved at a rapid pace. The game finished in just 1 hour, 52 minutes.Up nextTampa Bay LHP Shane McClanahan (6-4, 3.23 ERA) faces Dodgers RHP Ohtani (6-2, 1.06), who is making his first pitching start since he missed a game with knee inflammation last week, on Wednesday afternoon.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Slumping Red Sox Draw Unflattering World Cup Comparison originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Tuesday night's game against the Toronto Blue Jays resulted in a familiar outcome for the Boston Red Sox: a home loss where the offense struggled.The Red Sox lost 6-1 to the Blue Jays, dropping to 29-41 overall and 12-23 at Fenway Park. Boston's lineup continued to scuffle, going 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position and stranding 13 baserunners. The Red Sox's lone run came on Jarren Duran's eighth-inning solo homer, which was too little, too late given Boston's four-run deficit at the time.Red Sox fall to the Blue Jays, 6-1.Of the six World Cup teams that played today, five (and counting) have matched or exceeded the Red Sox’s run total with their goal totals.— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) June 17, 2026Meanwhile, three World Cup games took place on Tuesday. Of the six teams in action, three outscored the Red Sox and two others matched them in terms of goals. The only team that didn't was Algeria, which got shut out by Argentina.Lionel Messi had three goals by himself, while Boston's entire lineup managed just two extra-base hits.The Red Sox's offense has been one of the worst in baseball this year, especially at Fenway. They're averaging just 3.99 runs per game overall and only 3.51 runs per game at home.After getting outscored by multiple soccer teams on Tuesday, Boston will try to bounce back on Wednesday against Max Scherzer, who's been one of the worst pitchers in baseball this season with a 1-4 record and a 10.23 ERA.More MLB: Red Sox Receive Surprising Offseason Re-Grade Despite Disappointing Season

Jun 16, 2026; Omaha, NE, USA; Georgia Bulldogs pitcher Justin Byrd (5) reacts after defeating the Texas Longhorns at Charles Schwab Field. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images Thanks to what’s become a tried and true formula, the Diamond Dawgs are still alive in the College World Series. For the third time in as many games in Omaha, Georgia received strong starting pitching. The end result? A gritty 2-0 win in Tuesday’s night’s elimination game against Texas to move on to the bracket final against Oklahoma, where the Dawgs need to beat the Sooners twice in order to advance to the best-of-three championship series. For the first time in this College World Series, Georgia had to look to its bullpen. That dip into the depth of the pitching staff stood tall, as well. After Dylan Vigue’s four innings of work in which he gave up two Longhorn hits and struck out eight, Justin Byrd entered. To say that there was no dropoff would be an understatement, as he allowed just two hits, fanning four UT batters. Asked Tre Phelps about the performance from Georgia's pitching staff this week:"My feet are actually on the ground now, but we were in their bookbags — all of the hitters were in the pitchers' bookbags. They were carrying us."— Olivia Sayer (@OliviaKSayer) June 17, 2026And with a low-scoring game, an anomaly in this era of big offensive numbers, there was little margin for error. Byrd delivered, getting out of a two-aboard jam in the eighth before setting the side down in the ninth to clinch the win. DAWGS GET IT DONE‼️#GoDawgspic.twitter.com/324ioBkCzY— Georgia Baseball (@BaseballUGA) June 17, 2026Offense has not come easy for Georgia the past two games in Omaha, and Tuesday night continued that. Part of that at Charles Schwab Field had to do with Texas starter Luke Harrison, who Georgia’s skipper rightly compared on the TV broadcast to Sandy Koufax. Through the first three innings, Georgia hitters struck out eight times. But the Diamond Dawgs finally broke through in the fifth, when Tre Phelps broke out of his Omaha doldrums to double in Brennan Hudson, who drew a leadoff walk. Georgia would later add a shred of insurance off of Texas reliever Sam Cozart, who had been unflappable all year long. He was at first on Tuesday, entering the game with two outs and the bases loaded in the sixth, striking out Kolby Branch. But Georgia would break through an inning later, getting a single run as Ryan Black barely beat the tag at the plate from a Rylan Lujo sacrifice fly. That score was inexplicably challenged twice, both from the play at the plate and to also review whether or not Black left third early. Both were upheld, as the gutsy call to send the runner home paid largely with an extra run. Call is confirmed 👍#GoDawgs | @ryanblackkkpic.twitter.com/Krw7NrXk9d— Georgia Baseball (@BaseballUGA) June 17, 2026Its bullpen mostly untouched, Georgia now has to win twice against Oklahoma. It’s a definite upside that key reliever Matt Scott is yet to be used, and Saturday’s starter Joey Volchko also stands to be a likely option in the next two games, where the goal is to go 2-0.Go Dawgs!

Kazakhstan's Zhetysu region is hosting the first Paragliding World Cup ever held in Central Asia, attracting around 150 pilots from 33 countries. The competition, which runs until June 28, combines elite aerial sport with spectacular mountain scenery. Organisers hope the event will boost the international profile of the region, showcasing its world-class flying conditions, natural beauty and growing appeal as an adventure tourism destination in the region.

It was a tough night for the Mets batters in more ways than one.Not only did the Mets bats go 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position and leave 11 men on base -- the third straight game they left at least 10 on the basepaths -- they failed on two early ABS challenges that could have benefited them later on in their eventual 5-3 loss on Tuesday night. First, Francisco Alvarez tried to get a strike for Kodai Senga in the first inning. With Senga having walked the first batter of the game, JJ Bleday took ball three on a 2-1 cutter that he didn't bite on. Trying to save his starter, the Mets backstop asked for a challenge. While Senga's pitch missed by 0.7 inches, the reality is that Alvarez took an unnecessary risk. "There was a runner on first there," Alvarez explained through an interpreter after the game. "I thought in challenging that one instead of having a 3-1 count, it could be a 2-2 count and I think it makes a big difference there."Senga wound up walking Bleday, setting the Reds up for a four-run first inning, a deficit that the Mets could not overcome.Marcus Semien was the second culprit, challenging a 1-2 pitch an inning later. There were two outs and no one on base when the veteran second baseman asked for a second look. The result was a called third strike from a Brady Singer sinker that clipped the outside corner. “We were super aggressive today," manager Carlos Mendoza of the challenges said after the game. "Essentially, you lose that first one right there early, a little too much there. We got to do a better job. That’s something we’ll continue to talk to the guys about it.”Mendoza was asked why players were using challenges in low-leverage situations this deep into a season, and the Mets skipper acknowledged they have to be better."They’re competing there. They’re competing and there’s going to be times where they don’t agree with a call," Mendoza said. "I thought Marcus was one that was super close there. But again, it’s something that we have to be mindful, especially early on, when you lose the first one like that.”That lack of situational awareness cost the Mets a challenge for a more important moment in the game. And that moment came in the sixth inning. Mark Vientos had just cut the Reds' lead to 5-3 with his two-run shot. Alvarez walked, allowing Carson Benge to come up as the potential tying run. The young outfielder struck out looking on four pitches, but many of the strikes called -- especially the third strike -- were noticeably low. Without a challenge, an opportunity was gone to extend the at-bat. That moment would lead to Mendoza being ejected in the bottom of the seventh. After Bleday worked a one-out walk, home plate umpire Carlos Torres heard someone from the Mets dugout and ejected them. Mendoza came out to argue to find out what was going on, and was promptly ejected."It was a quick one there. Somebody said something from the dugout and Carlos just threw someone out. No one knew who it was and that’s when I jumped out of the dugout," Mendoza explained. " I wasn't pleased with the strike zone, especially with the Benge at-bat there. Went back and looked at some of the pitches. I wasn’t happy about it. Again, I know it’s a tough job there, but that’s all to it.”The Mets hope they can put that lack of situational awareness behind them as they look to salvage a win in the series on Wednesday afternoon. Someone from the Mets dugout was ejected for arguing balls & strikes, and then Carlos Mendoza was soon ejected afterward after defending him pic.twitter.com/pZ5cU7QYMk— SNY (@SNYtv) June 17, 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump and other leaders pose during a group photo of leaders at the G7 summit, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Evian-les-Bains, France. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)2026-06-17T04:02:38Z EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump wraps up talks with world leaders at the Group of Seven summit on Wednesday where he’s been trying to sell his tentative agreement with Iran as a pact that will ensure the Islamic Republic never develops a nuclear weapon — even though he’s offered scant specificity about how that would be implemented.Trump and his fellow leaders are closing the formal talks of the leading industrial nations at a lakeside resort in the French Alps on Wednesday with sessions on the future of artificial intelligence and fostering economic growth. The U.S. leader also plans to make a stop for a glitzy dinner at the Palace of Versailles outside of Paris before he jets back to Washington.But first, Trump finds himself trying to quell skepticism about the Iran agreement, a difficult task given that neither the White House nor Iran have released the text of the deal. He also faces jitteriness from key ally Israel about ending the conflict under these terms. “It’s a great document,” Trump said of the memorandum that has yet to be revealed, even though U.S. and Iranian officials are set to formally sign it at a ceremony on Friday at a stunning resort on Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne. “Here’s what it says: Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. It won’t have one to buy, to develop — it will not have a nuclear weapon. And I would say that’s about 99.9% of what I wanted,” he said. Read More But Trump will continue to have to do a sales job. Some members of his own party are doubtful that the deal he’s agreed to is strong enough to defang Iran’s nuclear program. At the same time, he faces an anxious international community looking for him to follow through on his promise that the deal will reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil tanker traffic, and keep it open. What’s in the dealWhite House and Iranian officials have sometimes offered contradictory interpretations of what is in the agreement.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Israel’s continued occupation of southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces have been targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah militants, would violate the deal.“Without the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they occupied during this war, the war has not fully come to an end,” Araghchi said. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. Meanwhile, Trump told reporters on Tuesday that he did not think an attack on Hezbollah by Israel would necessarily sink the agreement, though he said he was “not happy with the way Israel has handled themselves with Lebanon and with Hezbollah.”“It just goes on forever,” he said of Israel’s strategy. Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed nearly 4,000 people, including hundreds of civilians, and displaced more than 1 million since March 2. “Israel’s fighting Hezbollah too long, and too many people are being killed,” Trump said. Trump’s relationship with Modi has been impacted by the Iran warTrump on Wednesday is also expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a choppy moment in the U.S.-India relationship, in part because of the war.The leaders’ meeting comes just a week after three Indian sailors were killed in a U.S. military strike on a tanker in the Gulf of Oman in the midst of the American blockade targeting oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The Indian Foreign Ministry has formally protested the incident.Trump and Modi had a warm relationship during the U.S. president’s first term, but it’s become more complicated since Trump’s return to office. The president hiked tariffs on India, before lowering them, over its reliance on cheap Russian oil, and the Iran war has disrupted energy supplies to India. There’s some angst as well in New Delhi that Trump’s recent efforts to forge a trade truce with Chinese President Xi Jinping could undercut India’s appeal as an alternative manufacturing hub.Trump will also hold one-on-one talks on Wednesday with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, one of the three Middle Eastern leaders who are attending the summit at the invitation of its host, French President Emmanuel Macron. The G7 leaders met on Tuesday with el-Sissi as well as Qatar’s ruling emir and the president of the United Arab Emirates for a working lunch. They discussed developing energy supply routes out of the Gulf, including via Egypt. Before the Iran war, a fifth of all oil and natural gas traded passed through the Strait of Hormuz, a maritime chokepoint that Iran has effectively shuttered since the first days of the conflict.“Part of the discussions were, ‘OK, how can we imagine, finance, and build infrastructures, sometimes on the terrestrial part, that will be able to go outside of the track of the Strait of Hormuz?’” French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux said in an interview. Macron will honor Trump with a dinner at VersaillesTrump on Tuesday didn’t hide his giddiness over Macron’s plans to fete him at the Palace of Versailles to mark America’s 250th anniversary next month.He said the opulent setting for the one-on-one dinner was a factor in his decision to extend his stay after the summit.The palace was the residence of French kings from the time of Louis XIV to Louis XVI. It regularly hosts heads of state and foreign dignitaries.“I’m a fan of beautiful places, and I was leaving in the afternoon, and then the French president who happens to be a very nice man, invited me to dinner at Versailles,” Trump said. “And Versailles is not gold leaf — Versailles is the real deal. And I said I’d like to do it.”___Madhani reported from Geneva. AP writers John Leicester in Evian-les-Bains, Jamey Keaten in Geneva, and Collin Binkley in Washington contributed reporting. DARLENE SUPERVILLE Superville covers the White House for The Associated Press, with a special emphasis on first ladies and first families. AAMER MADHANI Madhani is a White House reporter for the Associated Press whose reporting focuses on U.S. foreign policy. Contact him securely on Signal at aamermadhani.39 twitter mailto SYLVIE CORBET Corbet is an Associated Press reporter based in Paris. She covers French politics, diplomacy and defense as well as gender issues and breaking news. twitter

This framegrab from a video taken by motorist Keinika Carlton shows a wooden cross engulfed in bright orange flames as it leans against a tree in Grant Park in Chicago on Tuesday, July 9, 2026. (Keinika Carlton via AP)2026-06-16T15:41:45Z A person is in custody in an investigation of a large cross set on fire in a well-known Chicago park, police said Tuesday.The burning cross was discovered June 9 in Grant Park, where Barack Obama delivered his acceptance speech when he was elected the nation’s first Black president in 2008.A man identifying himself as a 21-year-old college student told WMAQ-TV that he was the shirtless person in an image distributed by police when they were looking for a suspect. But police did not immediately say Tuesday if he’s the person in custody. The man said he was protesting President Donald Trump and not making a racist statement.“I did know about this historical relevance beforehand. But I didn’t know the severity, how racially motivated it may seem from what I did,” the man told the TV station. “Cause my protest has nothing to do with race, nothing to do with gender.” Cross burnings in the U.S. have historically been seen as symbols of hate and intimidation against Black people and have often been connected to the Ku Klux Klan. The Chicago Police Department’s communications office confirmed that a person was in custody in connection with the case, but no other details were released. An email seeking comment from the prosecutor’s office was sent Tuesday. “I can’t speak to anyone’s motives. We can only speak to the impact. And the impact was devastating,” Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is Black, said when asked about the cross and the man’s remarks to WMAQ. Read More The man interviewed by the TV station said he was protesting the “ruling class” and Christian nationalists who support Trump. He said he put a red hat on the cross to signify a MAGA hat worn by the president’s allies.The man said he doesn’t consider what he did a hate crime.“I understand why it was interpreted that way, and I apologize for that, but no, the intent was not there,” he said. Gina Miranda Samuels, faculty director of the Center for the Study of Race, Politics and Culture at the University of Chicago, said the man seemed sincere that he was not trying to send a hateful message to Black people. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. Nonetheless, she added, “it says a lot about how uninformed people can be” about certain symbols, “and that it would be acceptable to use a symbol of hatred and terror in this way.”The Rev. Michael Pfleger, senior pastor with the local Catholic church The Faith Community of Saint Sabina, said he doesn’t buy that the man went to the trouble of making the cross but didn’t know it was a symbol of hate.“Your Lawyer Schooled you well,” he said in a post on Facebook.Officials from the church had posted on social media a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the cross burning. ___ This story has been corrected to show that the man interviewed by WMAQ-TV said the hat on the cross was red, signifying a MAGA hat. It was not an actual MAGA hat.

MADISON – Brody Pfannenstiel committed to Texas Tech in March, but Wisconsin never stopped its pursuit of the edge rusher from Kansas.Tuesday June 16, that work paid off.Pfannenstiel, who attends Hoisington, High School in Kansas, flipped his commitment from the Red Raiders to the Badgers. He is UW's 23rd commitment for the Class of 2027.UW has flipped three recruits in the last three weeks. Pewaukee offensive lineman Jack Tabbert decommitted from North Dakota State to join the Badgers' class June 8 and four-star cornerback Mekhi Williams, who is from Ruskin, Florida, flipped from Florida State to the Badgers June. 3.Similar to Williams, Pfannestiel’s decision to commit to Wisconsin came after an official visit. He was on campus June 5-7 and then took an official to Texas Tech last weekend.He shared the news of his commitment with Rivals.BREAKING: Class of 2027 EDGE Brody Pfannenstiel has Flipped his Commitment from Texas Tech to Wisconsin, he tells me for @RivalsThe 6’3 225 EDGE had been Committed to the Red Raiders since March “100% Committed. 🦡🔴 #OnWisconsinThank you God”https://t.co/RtNHU2z28Spic.twitter.com/JGOQEOMHWu— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 17, 2026Here is you what you need to know about Pfannenstiel.What are Brody Pfannestiel’s height, weight?Pfannestiel is 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds.What is Brody Pfannenstiel's recruiting rating?Rivals, 247sports and ESPN rate Pfannenstiel as a three-star prospect. Rivals and 247sports list him as the No. 4 recruit in Kansas.What schools were recruiting Brody Pfannenstiel?When he committed to Texas Tech, he told Rivals that Vanderbilt, Mississippi and Missouri were also in the mix. During his recruitment he also announced offers from Kansas, Illinois, Kansas State, Minnesota, Duke, Michigan State, Arkansas, Utah, Iowa State, Louisville and Iowa.How does Brody Pfannenstiel fit into Wisconsin’s recruiting class?Pfannenstiel joins Isaac Miller (6-5, 250) of Catholic Memorial High School in Waukesha and Darin Graham (6-5, 225) of Mount Carmel High School in Chicago as Badger recruit at the position. This is a position where UW values having players with different body types and skill sets in order to match up with in a variety of offenses and packages it could face. In other words, each of those players could find themselves filling a different role.Where does the Badgers recruiting class after flipping Brody Pfannenstiel?As of 11 p.m. June 16, Wisconsin’s 2027 class ranks 18th overall and seventh in the Big Ten by 247sports. Rivals lists Wisconsin 24th overall and ninth in the Big Ten.A look at Brody Pfannenstiel junior highlightsMore: How Wisconsin football's 2027 recruiting class is shaping upThis article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Edge rusher Brody Pfannenstiel flips from Texas Tech to Wisconsin

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As Lionel Messi and his teammates went to thank the Argentina fans who came to the team's 3-0 win over Algeria, they went to the north end of the field at Arrowhead Stadium, where Messi had just scored two of his three goals.In any other World Cup, that side of the stadium would have been the only one to address. But on Tuesday night, the Argentine team could have made an entire lap around the pitch. Argentina fans had taken over Kansas City and made Arrowhead look like it was in Buenos Aires.A vast majority of those thousands upon thousands of fans had Messi's name and number on the back of their Argentina jerseys. Sure, there were some Alexis Mac Allister jerseys, a few Lautaro Martínez ones and some with Julián Alvarez's last name and his No. 9.But every single one of those fans was in attendance to see some Messi magic. And man, did he deliver.World Cup hub | Viewer's guide | Power rankings | Predictions | Players to watchAs he became the first man to play in six different World Cups and tied Miroslav Klose's record for the most goals scored in World Cup history, the soon-to-be 39-year-old Messi scored his first-ever World Cup hat trick in a style that was so perfectly Messi.He capitalized on an Algeria turnover in the 17th minute before sending a bending shot into the top right corner over the outstretched arms of Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane.In the 60th minute, he came out of nowhere to pounce off a rebound from a long-distance Mac Allister shot that spilled just too far from Zidane's reach.And in the 76th minute, Messi placed an inch-perfect shot to the bottom left corner past a helpless Zidane.That was the goal that tied him with Germany's Klose for the most in the tournament.Three minutes after the third goal, Messi slowly walked off the field to fans in the upper decks prostrating in unison. They were all still in awe of the religious experience that unfolded before their eyes in his 200th game for Argentina.To totally appreciate Messi is to see him in person and watch how he operates off the ball before he takes a shot or makes a pass. Not only does he see space as it's created, but he can see that space seconds before it actually exists. It's an anticipation that's unmatched and only bolstered by his years of experience.Messi started Tuesday night's game on the right wing and immediately drifted inside like he always does to be Argentina's playmaking maestro. Whenever he did, there was always coverage on the right side, usually in the form of Rodrigo de Paul.As he would move inside, Algeria's defenders typically followed. Before his first goal, four Algerian players had Messi surrounded. But de Paul played a fantastic pass to Messi's right side to give him the room to turn upfield with the ball.Lionel Messi's hat trick powers Argentina past Algeria in World Cup opener.Grant Thomas/Yahoo SportsAhead of his second goal, Messi was in the middle of three Algerian defenders. But as the ball ricocheted off Zidane, Messi saw the bounce before anyone. Algeria's players hardly moved, perhaps resigned to the fact that Messi was already both a mental and a physical step ahead of them.On the goal for the hat trick, Messi reacted first by simply slowing down. As the Algerian back line moved toward its own goal in unison as Nico Gonzalez had possession at the top of the penalty box, Messi stopped his run to create an opening between himself and the four defenders he split to send the ball past a diving Zidane.With his 39th birthday just over a year away, it's also obvious in person that Messi takes more opportunities to conserve energy. On the occasions when Algeria did have sustained possession on Argentina's side of the field, Messi could often be found behind everyone else on Algeria's side, lingering behind the play.But he also never strayed too far, always ready to sneak back into the play if Argentina's defense won possession. It's a strategy that works not only because of Messi's excellence, but because Lionel Scaloni's side has long been built to defend with Messi's attacking effectiveness in mind.It's a formula Argentina didn't mess with ahead of the 2026 World Cup, either. Seventeen of the 26 players on the roster were with the team in 2022 and 11 players who saw playing time in the opener played in the World Cup final win over France.Another final is still seven games away. And Argentina, after losing last year's tournament opener to Saudi Arabia, will be the first team to tell you that World Cup fortunes can turn quite quickly. There was no reason to think Tuesday night that 2026 can be any different than 2022, however. As long as Argentina has Lionel Messi and his magic, its fans will believe another World Cup trophy is on the horizon.

SEATTLE (AP) — Cal Raleigh hit a two-run single in his return from the injured list, Logan Gilbert struck out a season-high 10 in seven strong innings and the Seattle Mariners beat the Baltimore Orioles 3-1 on Tuesday night.Julio Rodríguez had an RBI single for the Mariners, who hold a slim lead in the AL West. Gilbert (5-4) combined with two relievers on a three-hitter.Raleigh, last year’s AL MVP runner-up who had been out since May 14 because of an oblique strain, broke a 1-all tie in the seventh. Batting from the right side against reliever Grant Wolfram with the bases loaded and one out, the switch-hitter sent a line drive to center field that scored Victor Robles and Colt Emerson.Eduard Bazardo pitched a perfect eighth and Andrés Muñoz worked a one-hit ninth for his 11th save.Gilbert gave up a leadoff double to Taylor Ward and a two-out RBI single to Samuel Basallo in the first, but retired his next 16 batters until hitting Pete Alonso with a pitch to start the seventh.Seattle tied it in the third when Rodríguez lined a two-out single after Orioles starter Brandon Young (5-2) walked Miles Mastrobuoni and J.P. Crawford with one out.Young gave up three runs and four hits in six-plus innings. He was removed after allowing an infield single to Robles and another single to Emerson in the seventh. Crawford went 1 for 2 with two walks in his return from the injured list.Up nextOrioles RHP Kyle Bradish (3-7, 4.30 ERA) faces Mariners RHP George Kirby (5-6, 4.07) on Wednesday.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

It was a day for football's biggest names. But even amid so much star quality, Lionel Messi still took top billing.Hours after France's Kylian Mbappe and Norway's Erling Haaland had lit up the World Cup with two goals each, the stage was set.But this was no supporting act, this was the main show. The Messi show. His first World Cup hat-trick, a record-equalling 16th World Cup goal, and another reminder that despite his age, he isn't going away.As the sun dipped behind the Kansas City skyline, the 38-year-old became the first player in history to feature at six World Cups - beating rival Cristiano Ronaldo by a day.Twenty years ago to the day after his World Cup debut as an 18-year-old at Germany 2006, one of the game's greatest superstars looked as sharp as ever in delivering another spectacular performance. Afterwards, he said: "To enjoy this with my family, with my team-mates, the ones who are always there, is a really beautiful moment."The squad, it's a very united, very strong group. I feel good; we were lucky enough to win a tough match. It's important to start off with a win in the first game."I'm grateful to the fans, because once again they've shown that Argentina is crazy about this - we packed the stadium again."Lionel Messi is the first player to play at six World Cups [Getty Images]'Messi is celebrating like it's his first World Cup goal'There was an early glimpse of what was to come.Four minutes in, Messi raced clear and put the ball past Algeria's keeper, Luca Zidane, only for the offside flag to prevent what would have been a fairytale start. Fans celebrated as if they had won the World Cup. Journalists turned to each other with a look of the inevitable. It was happening. This was just a delay.There were a few moments of concern when Messi's studs caught the top of Aissa Mandi's heel but, no action was taken, and the Argentine took full advantage.By the 18th minute, Messi's moment arrived. Twenty-five yards out, he shifted on to his left foot and curled a superb effort towards the top-right corner. Goalkeeper Zidane - son of France legend Zinedine - got both hands to it, but the strike had too much power. Kansas City Stadium exploded with noise as Argentina fans celebrated Messi's 14th World Cup goal. It was the start of a historic evening.As former Everton midfielder Leon Osman observed: "Messi is celebrating like it's his first World Cup goal. With the ability he has, he never seems to age. It's a brilliant ball into his feet and, as you'd expect, he finishes it superbly."Two decades on from his first appearance on this stage, and now in a record 27th World Cup match, Messi continues to defy his age. Throughout the match, he was constantly scanning for options, constantly anticipating Argentina's next move. He looked fit, fast and threatening. After 60 minutes, Messi struck again. A costly error from Zidane allowed the ball to roll into Messi's path. With typical composure, Messi placed the ball into the net to move within one goal of becoming the joint-top scorer in World Cup history. In doing so, he became the oldest player to score two goals at the World Cup.To this point, age has not blunted Messi's ability. Since turning 35, he has scored 10 World Cup goals - more than Harry Kane, Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry have each scored in total.The moment of historyIn the 76th minute, Messi completed his hat-trick, having been teed up by substitute Nico Gonzalez. It was written in the stars.And it meant that Messi had drawn level at the top of the all-time World Cup finals scoring chart with Germany's Miroslav Klose.With his arms raised, his eyes lifted to the sky, and thousands of Argentina fans cheering his name, he took it in. Even for Messi, this felt special. He turned to thank the thousands of supporters watching on as the stadium filled with noise.As he was substituted, he left the pitch to a standing ovation. His name echoed around Kansas City.Well beyond the final whistle, thousands of Argentina stayed in the stadium to continue the party. It was a sea of blue and white, with drums beating relentlessly and Argentina fans in full voice. Many wore Messi's name on their backs, others showed off their tattoos of him. His name dominated every conversation. For them, he is more than a player. 'Hero', 'Idol', 'Our son' are words Argentina fans here used to describe him.He inspired Argentina to the World Cup four years ago. Who would back against Messi taking his country all the way again?Even Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, usually the headline act in this stadium, watched on like everyone else, captivated by Messi's magic.On a day of superstars, the ageless Argentine stood above them all.World Cup fixtures and group standingsHow to watch the World Cup on the BBCEverything you need to know about the World Cup

🔥 What an Austria comeback! Buli star's first World Cup goal in 30 yearsFor 30 years, Austria has waited for this moment: Against Jordan, the ÖFB team is currently playing its first World Cup match since 1998!And it could hardly have started any better: After a very brief feeling-out phase, Ralf Rangnick’s team took control and duly went ahead.Werder star Romano Schmid unleashed a fine strike from distance in the 21st minute, sparking red-white-red celebrations in San Francisco.Particularly touching: Schmid dedicated his goal to the injured Christoph Baumgartner, who had missed the World Cup in North America at short notice.That’s certainly one way to make your return to the grand stage of world football!This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones lost the Republican runoff for governor to the health care executive Rick Jackson despite the president’s endorsement. Mr. Trump’s picks won in other races.

According to at least one report, the Los Angeles Lakers' biggest priority as far as upgrading their roster this summer is acquiring some sort of upgrade at the center position. While current starting center Deandre Ayton played well at times, most consider him to be a disappointment, and he has a player option for next season. In addition, backup center Jaxson Hayes is about to become a free agent at the end of this month.For at least the past year, Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler has been linked to the Lakers. He will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and he has been thought to be a bit unrealistic for Los Angeles. But according to a new report in The Athletic, there may be at least a crack in the proverbial window for L.A. to snag Kessler.Sam Amick wrote that Kessler "is at odds" with Utah's front office and may be considering leaving."Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler is at odds with the team’s front office over the current handling of his restricted free agency, league sources told The Athletic," Amick wrote."Kessler, the 24-year-old who was taken 22nd overall out of Auburn by the Memphis Grizzlies before his rights were traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves and eventually the Jazz in 2022, was already known to be frustrated by Utah’s choice not to offer him an extension last summer. And now, with the Jazz choosing to leverage the realities of restricted free agency against him as a way to minimize his market, sources say he is strongly considering the prospect of a basketball future outside Utah."Kessler has been a dream target for Lakers fans due to his outstanding rebounding and rim-protecting skills. In his four seasons in the NBA, he has career averages of 9.5 points on 68.1% shooting, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 25.3 minutes a game. While he only played in five games this season due to a torn left labrum, he remains one of the most attractive centers, if not the most attractive center, in this year's free agent class.But since the Jazz have the right to match any outside offer given to him, it won't be simple for the Lakers to snag him, no matter how badly he may want to leave Utah. It could take an offer well north of $30 million for the Jazz to fold, and giving that much money to a player who lacks offensive skills is very risky and perhaps just unwise.This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Big Lakers center target 'is at odds' with his current team