FIFA World Cup 2026: “Was really struggling to find right words,” Jud…

Atlanta [US], July 17 (ANI): England star Jude Bellingham thanked supporters for their unwavering backing following the team’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, urging fans to carry forward the unity shown throughout the tournament.

Taking to Instagram, Bellingham reflected on England’s exit from the competition, admitting he had struggled to process the disappointment before sharing an emotional message of gratitude. milkshake.it.com

England’s World Cup campaign came to an end after a 2-1 semi-final defeat to defending champions Argentina. Despite taking an early lead, England conceded an equaliser through Enzo Fernandez before Lautaro Martinez struck a stoppage-time winner to send Argentina into the final.

Bellingham’s message resonated with supporters as the Real Madrid star called for continued unity, expressing optimism that England could achieve greater success in the future with the backing of its fans.

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“Was really struggling to find the right words for yesterday and the last few weeks but this pretty much hits the nail on the head from our driver in Kansas. Thank you for the unbelievable support from back home and to those who spent their hard earned money to travel to America and get behind us. Don’t let the unity and love we’ve seen in our country end with this campaign. When we’re together we can achieve big things… And we will! Love yous!" Bellingham wrote.

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Bellingham enjoyed an outstanding FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign for England, finishing as the team’s top scorer with six goals and one assist in seven matches. The star footballer played a pivotal role in guiding the Three Lions to the semi-finals, delivering match-winning performances in the knockout stages, including braces against Mexico and Norway.

In the match’s semi-final match, Argentina produced a stunning late comeback against England. The first half was a tightly contested battle, with both teams fighting for midfield control and creating limited clear chances.

England eventually broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon finished Morgan Rogers’ cross to put the Three Lions ahead.

After taking the lead, England dropped deeper defensively, allowing Argentina to build pressure. The defending champions responded strongly, with Jordan Pickford making key saves and Alexis Mac Allister hitting the post before Argentina found the equaliser.

In the 85th minute, Enzo Fernandez struck after receiving a pass from Lionel Messi to level the match.

Argentina completed their comeback in stoppage time when Messi delivered a cross for Lautaro Martinez, who headed home the winner.

The result sent Argentina into the final, where they will face Spain on Sunday, July 19 (local time), while England’s hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966 came to a heartbreaking end.

The Three Lions will now face France in the third-place match, while Argentina will meet Spain for the title. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Boria Majumdar

I have known Rohit Sharma for a good 20 years. In fact, I have covered his entire career. Even during my ban, Rohit and I did not lose touch. While I couldn’t interview him, we stayed in touch and he always had words of support. In that sense, there has always been genuine mutual respect. I needed to make that clear before getting into this deep dive.

What I saw of Rohit in Cardiff was disappointing. He faced 46 balls but, apart from the one six off Gus Atkinson, he never really looked in. He got a life when Atkinson dropped a catch and the ball trickled away for four. In fact, the last ten balls of his innings were all dot balls, three of them against Will Jacks. A set, in-form Rohit would never let that happen. You would expect at least a couple of those deliveries to disappear into the stands. Not in Cardiff. He simply wasn’t able to do it despite all the effort. And that was painful to watch.

Is Lord’s the last dance? Or can Rohit defy the odds and produce one final act of resurrection? How much does he have left mentally to be able to do it? And, perhaps more importantly, does he still believe he has the game?

I have watched Rohit very closely throughout this series and have been impressed by his training drills. He has batted reasonably well in the nets, and the session where he simulated a match situation was particularly intense. He has spent hours on his fielding drills and has worked wonders on his fitness. All of those things tell me he genuinely believed he could play in the 2027 World Cup.

But when I watched him trying to play the pull shot against Jofra Archer in Cardiff, it seemed to me that he was a nanosecond slow. Twice, he was struck on the body and, on another occasion, he skied a catch that was dropped. That is how sport works. Even for a legend of his calibre, things become difficult after a point, and even the most intense training sessions do not always translate into regular big scores on the pitch.

Also read One Failure Doesn’t Define Rohit Sharma’s World Cup Future

Lord’s will not just be a test of skill. It will also be a test of resolve. Rohit knows how important it is to score, and that is when a performer of his calibre can sometimes produce something extraordinary. A last hurrah of sorts. You cannot explain it through pure logic. Sport has never been just about logic.

That is what every Rohit supporter will hope to see at Lord’s. Reason tells you it will be difficult – very difficult, in fact. But when has sport ever been just about reason? Legends define sport because they defy reason. They go against the grain. They script their own stories. Rohit will get one more opportunity at Lord’s to do exactly that. It could prove to be a pivotal moment, and one can only wish him the very best in what may well be one final defining battle.

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Shamik Chakrabarty, Mumbai

Rohit Sharma’s race is run. The third ODI of the ongoing series between England and India at Lord’s on Sunday is, in all likelihood, going to be his last. Whether a formal announcement will come from the former India captain is a matter of conjecture. But the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has decided to move on. The baton will pass to Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is set to become India’s first-choice opener in the 50-over format alongside skipper Shubman Gill.

According to sources, the selection committee has communicated its decision to Rohit. Last year, after the Champions Trophy, when India were preparing to tour England for a five-Test series, Rohit wanted to be part of it. According to an insider, the selection committee disagreed, prompting the opener to hang up his red-ball boots. The selectors also wanted to bring Jaiswal into the side at the start of the current ODI cycle, which began in October 2025. Somehow, Rohit survived the chop, but he is unlikely to get any further leeway.

The 39-year-old was eyeing the 2027 World Cup and had been putting in extra shifts to ensure he was in peak physical condition. Once again, as was the case last year, he did not receive the nod from the selection committee, which had its reasons. It felt that Jaiswal needed sufficient games before next year’s World Cup to be fully prepared for the showpiece event. The left-hander has scored two centuries in his last three ODIs and, according to sources, there is a feeling within the selection committee that not bringing him into the fold now would be an “injustice”.

Rohit returned from the ODI series in Australia last year with the Player of the Series award. During the subsequent home assignments, he scored runs intermittently, although consistency was lacking. The selectors remained unconvinced. In fact, it is learnt that there was a view that Rohit could no longer be considered for international cricket. The current selection committee has shown time and again that, with one eye on the future, it is prepared to be ruthless.

In the first ODI in England, at Edgbaston, Rohit scored 11 off 21 balls and was clearly struggling. In the second ODI at Sophia Gardens on Thursday, he could have been dismissed three times during his 47-ball stay at the crease before eventually falling for 26. Even if Rohit scores heavily at Lord’s, it is unlikely to alter the selectors’ decision. They have made up their minds.

With more than 11,700 ODI runs and 33 centuries, including three double hundreds, Rohit is a bona fide legend of the 50-over game. But Father Time spares no one.

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The post Opening baton set to pass from Rohit Sharma to Yashasvi Jaiswal appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.

New York [US], July 17 (ANI): Following a 2-1 victory over England, defending champions Argentina secured their place in the World Cup final against European champions Spain, setting up a generational matchup between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.

Although Saturday’s (local time) final in New Jersey marks the first time the 39-year-old Argentina veteran and the 19-year-old Spain winger playing against each other but it is not their first actual meeting.

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Almost 18 years back, Messi shared a memorable moment with Spain star Yamal nearly before the pair emerged as potential rivals on the biggest stage of international football.

Messi took part in a charity photoshoot organised by Catalan newspaper Diario Sport in 2008 while then playing for Barcelona. During the shoot at the club’s iconic Camp Nou stadium, the then-20-year-old Argentine posed with a baby Yamal, who was sitting in a small plastic bathtub alongside his mother, Sheila Ebana.

At the time, neither could have imagined that Yamal would grow into one of Spain’s brightest footballing talents, with the possibility of facing Messi in a FIFA World Cup final almost two decades later.

The iconic photoshoot was captured by freelance photographer Joan Monfort.

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, UNICEF shared the now-iconic photograph of Argentina captain Messi with a baby Yamal, highlighting the remarkable journey of the two football stars from a charity photoshoot nearly two decades ago to becoming global ambassadors for children.

In a post on X, UNICEF wrote, “Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real. More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mom Sheila met Lionel Messi at a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot."

UNICEF added that while both have gone on to inspire millions with their performances on the football field, they are also united by their work away from the sport.

“Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions. Off the pitch, both Messi and Lamine Yamal use their voices and platforms as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors to support and advocate for children around the world," the post read.

UNICEF added that its shared mission with the two footballers is to ensure “that every child survives, thrives, and fulfils their potential," concluding, “We are proud to have them on our team."

Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real.

More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mom Sheila met Lionel Messi at a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot.

Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions. Off the pitch, both Messi and Lamine Yamal use their voices… pic.twitter.com/TSoUPDxia2

— UNICEF (@UNICEF) July 16, 2026

Barcelona also reacted to the iconic image, sharing it on X with the caption, “Magical photo by the @FundacioFCB."

Magical photo by the @FundacioFCB

The story behind this photo https://t.co/Nzm1L6Ou3h

Joan Monfort (Diari Sport) pic.twitter.com/ukT4XgyNph

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 16, 2026

Following their respective semi-final victories, defending champions Argentina and European champions Spain are set to face off in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash between great Messi and teenage sensation Yamal.

Spain secured their place in the title clash with a 2-0 win over France, while Argentina produced a comeback to defeat England 2-1 after trailing 1-0, with a stoppage-time winner sealing their passage to the final.

Messi heads into the championship match at the top of the Golden Boot standings, edging France captain Kylian Mbappe after registering two assists in Argentina’s semi-final victory over England.

Yamal, who became the youngest player ever to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or at the age of 17, will now have the opportunity to face the Argentine legend for the first time as Spain aim to deny the defending champions and lift consecutive titles.

The final will also mark another remarkable chapter in the unique connection between the two players, who first met during a charity photoshoot when Yamal was an infant. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)