World Cup
Messi Hamstring Concern Casts Shadow Over Argentina World Cup Campaign
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has suffered a left hamstring muscle fatigue scare less than three weeks before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being forced off during Inter Miami CF’s thrilling 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Sunday.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was substituted in the 73rd minute after appearing to clutch the back of his left thigh following a free kick during the Major League Soccer encounter.
Inter Miami confirmed on Monday that medical examinations revealed muscle fatigue in Messi’s left hamstring.
“After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” the club said in a statement.
“The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress.”
Messi’s condition has sparked concern in Argentina ahead of the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos attempted to calm fears after the match, attributing the issue partly to fatigue and the condition of the playing surface.
“He looked tired after playing on a heavy pitch,” Hoyos reportedly said after the game.
Major League Soccer has now entered a break period for the World Cup, potentially giving Messi valuable recovery time before Argentina defends their title.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had earlier included Messi in a provisional 55-man squad announced this month ahead of the country’s opening group match against the Algerian national football team in Kansas City on June 16.
Messi, now 38, captained Argentina to their third FIFA World Cup triumph in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and is widely expected to lead the South Americans again in what could become his sixth World Cup appearance.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
England will look to secure their place in the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds when they take on Ghana in a Group-stage clash that could also see captain Harry Kane write another chapter in the nation’s football history.
Kane enters the match level with Gary Lineker as England’s highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history, with 10 goals apiece. A goal against Ghana would see the Bayern Munich striker become England’s outright leading marksman on football’s biggest stage.
The Three Lions will, however, face a Ghanaian side that has developed a reputation for attacking football at the World Cup. The Black Stars have scored in eight of their last nine matches in the competition and will be confident of troubling England’s defence.
With both sides chasing valuable points, the encounter promises an intriguing battle between England’s experience and Ghana’s flair and resilience.
For Kane, the match presents an opportunity to add another record to a glittering international career. For Ghana, it offers the chance to claim a statement victory against one of the tournament favourites.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Croatia captain Luka Modrić is poised to reach another remarkable milestone when the Vatreni face Panama in their latest FIFA World Cup fixture.
The veteran midfielder is expected to make his 200th international appearance, becoming one of the few players in world football to achieve the feat. The landmark match further underlines the enduring influence of the Real Madrid legend, who continues to be the heartbeat of the Croatian team.
Croatia will start as favourites against a Panama side still searching for a breakthrough result against European opposition at the World Cup. The Central Americans previously faced Belgium and England during their debut campaign in Russia in 2018 and lost both encounters.
Panama will be eager to upset the odds and keep their hopes alive, but Croatia’s blend of experience and tournament know-how makes them formidable opponents.
All eyes, however, will be on Modrić as he celebrates a historic personal milestone while seeking to guide his country another step closer to the knockout phase.
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World Cup
One dead, eight injured in stampede in Jordan as fans watched World Cup match, says Jordan News Agency
One person died, and eight others were injured after a stampede during a crowded gathering of fans in central Amman to watch Jordan’s World Cup match against Algeria early on Tuesday, Jordan News Agency reported, citing the country’s Public Security Directorate (PSD).
The incident occurred at Hashemite Square, where large numbers of fans had gathered in the capital to watch Jordan’s 2-1 defeat to Algeria, according to the Jordan News Agency.
Emergency teams transported nine injured people to the hospital after heavy congestion and crowd movement at the venue led to the crush. One of those injured later died, while the others sustained minor to moderate injuries, it reported citing the PSD.
Experts were investigating to determine the exact cause of death, it added.
Large crowds of spectators had gathered across the capital to follow the match, with Jordan competing in their first World Cup.
-Reuters
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Kane Eyes World Cup Scoring Record as England Face Dangerous Ghana
Modrić Set for 200th Croatia Cap Against Ambitious Panama
One dead, eight injured in stampede in Jordan as fans watched World Cup match, says Jordan News Agency
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