Author: robin24

Lionel Messi will lead Argentina in a November 14 friendly against Angola in Luanda, as manager Lionel Scaloni named a 24-man squad which includes three uncapped players Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, Strasbourg forward Joaquin Panichelli and Como midfielder Maximo Perrone were the newcomers among the call-ups for the South American champions, reports Xinhua. The November 14 clash in Luanda will be the South American team’s only friendly of the upcoming FIFA international window. As expected, Messi headlines an attack that also features Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez.The reigning World Cup and Copa America champions will be without goalkeeper…

Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli of RCB (ANI) Bengaluru: As Diageo prepares to sell Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the current IPL champions and one of its most valuable franchises, speculation has mounted on potential bidders.Among the local names doing the rounds are Bengaluru-based billionaires Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of discount brokerage platform Zerodha, and Ranjan Pai, chairman of the Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG). Both are Kannadigas and, being billionaires, have the financial clout to bid for a franchise worth more than a billion dollars. Any consortium buying RCB will want a local face to connect with RCB’s passionate fanbase…

There is a new worldwide peace prize on the scene and it has been created by FIFA, not Nobel. The world soccer body said this week it would give out an annual prize to reward “individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace.” It gave few details about the prize and there was no indication that potential recipients were limited to the world of sports. That’s prompted broad speculation that it might go to United States President President Donald Trump, who has openly — and so far unsuccessfully — campaigned for a Nobel Peace Prize. FIFA…

Lewis Hamilton did not hide his grievances regarding Formula 1’s ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA), calling for further “transparency and accountability” in their decision making. The seven-time world champion endured another disappointing outing at last month’s Mexico City Grand Prix, where he was hit by a harsh 10-second penalty in the race. Hamilton was more forthcoming on Thursday about his call for the FIA to upgrade penalty procedures, following several controversial incidents in Mexico. Hamilton was the only one of several drivers who cut across the grass and rejoined the track who was punished. He said there was a…

Indian cricket team (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images) India secured a 2-1 lead in the five-match T20I series against Australia in Queensland on Thursday, maintaining their unbeaten streak since the last T20 World Cup. Former Indian off-spinner R Ashwin has identified opener Abhishek Sharma and spinner Varun Chakaravarthy as key targets for opposition teams in the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India in three months.The match at Carrara Oval saw India post 165 runs and successfully defend the total against Australia. The game revealed significant aspects of both teams’ strengths and weaknesses, particularly in how Australia…

Manchester City host Liverpool this weekend in the latest chapter of a compelling rivalry that has dominated the Premier League for nearly a decade — but this time both clubs are playing catch-up. Table-toppers Arsenal will hope their two main rivals cancel each other out at the Etihad, but a win for either City or Liverpool would be a psychological boost. The Gunners, meanwhile, face former captain Granit Xhaka when they travel to fourth-placed Sunderland, while Manchester United seek revenge for their defeat in the Europa League final by Tottenham Hotspur. We look at three key talking points…

Aryna Sabalenka in action.© AFP Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka earned a third straight group-stage win at the WTA Finals by beating Coco Gauff 7-6 (5), 6-2 on Thursday, eliminating her American opponent from the tournament in the process. Sabalenka’s win means Jessica Pegula advanced to the semifinals from the group along with the Belarusian No. 1. Pegula beat Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-3 earlier to take her record to 2-1. Gauff, the defending champion, finished 1-2 while Paolini went 0-3 at the season-ending tournament for the world’s top eight players. Sabalenka will take on Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals on…

Charles Leclerc was all smiles at a news conference ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, where a good result could get him closer to fourth place in the drivers’ standings. His happiness, though, had more to do with developments off the track: he had just got engaged. Leclerc will marry his long-time partner Alexandra Saint Mleux. “I’m very, very happy, obviously. It is a special week, full of emotions,” Leclerc said Thursday. “It’s obviously a very special moment for anyone to do that step. And, yeah, Alex and I are incredibly happy.” The season itself hasn’t given Leclerc…

India’s Sanju Samson (ANI) Former India opener Aakash Chopra has criticised the team management for its confusing approach towards wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who appears to have lost his place in the XI following Jitesh Sharma’s emergence. Samson, who batted at number three during the Australia tour, was dropped from the playing XI after just one appearance, while Jitesh impressed with a quickfire cameo in Hobart. Chopra, speaking on his YouTube channel, questioned the logic behind Samson’s frequent shuffling and eventual exclusion.Shivam Dube press conference: All-rounder reveals India’s bowling blueprint behind win over Australia “The biggest question is, what are we…

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham is gradually making his mark after a slow start ahead of his return to England to face Manchester City on Wednesday. Jobe joined Dortmund in the summer aged 19 for a reported fee of 30.5 million euros ($35 million) from Sunderland, among the most expensive transfers in Dortmund’s history.  Jobe followed in the footsteps of his brother Jude, who moved to the Westfalenstadion five years earlier, aged 17. Jude became one of the most sought-after players at Dortmund and is now a true superstar after moving to Real Madrid in 2023.  While Jobe…