If this is Messi’s last World Cup, could he eclipse Maradona and win it twice?
After living in the Argentina idol’s shadow, the 39-year-old star of Qatar is still capable of a final glorious chapter
World Cup 2026 news as England, Scotland and USA gear up for friendlies: matchday live – as it happened
News and buildup from a busy day of pre-World Cup friendlies brought to you by our team of writers
Construction worker backs Epsom Derby winner thanks to ‘spooky’ time capsule tip
A construction manager backed Derby winner Christmas Day after a note found in a 1960s time capsule urged bets on a horse ‘associated with Santa Claus’
Behold one of cricket’s great mysteries: the abysmal steam-treated Lord’s pitch
Move to replant the playing surface by 2028 is latest effort to repair the embarrassment caused by its variable bounce
Christmas Day wins the Derby but favourite ruled non-runner – as it happened
The Derby was won by Christmas Day but the big talking point after racing was the decision to rule the favourite a non-runner
Lionesses have no reason to panic despite the humiliation in Spain
England’s heaviest defeat for decades does not signal the end for Sarina Wiegman’s European champions
England v New Zealand: first men’s cricket Test, day three abandoned after rain – as it happened
Just 58 legal deliveries were possible as rain pushed England’s march to victory into fourth day at Lord’s.
Robinson strikes twice but rain halts England’s charge against New Zealand
Ravindra and Mitchell fall to Robinson in the 9.4 overs possible at a soggy Lord’s as New Zealand slump to 55 for 5 in their second innings
Exeter power past Saracens to book playoff semi-final spot as McCall era comes to an end
Exeter Chiefs defeated Saracens 32-12 that gave them a trip to Bath in the Prem semi-final
Du Toit hat-trick helps Bath grab home semi-final by edging out Leicester
Thomas du Toit’s hat-trick helped Bath to a 24-22 win over Leicester and gave them a home Prem semi-final against Exeter
Kimi Antonelli grabs pole for F1 Monaco GP as Charles Leclerc hits wall in qualifying – as it happened
Kimi Antonelli grabbed pole ahead of Max Verstappen, with Lewis Hamilton third. Philip Cornwall was watching
Antonelli edges out Verstappen to snatch pole at Monaco Grand Prix
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli snatched pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix after a thrilling qualifying battle, edging out Max Verstappen with his final lap
Mirra Andreeva beats Maja Chwalinska in straight sets to win French Open title – as it happened
The 19-year-old claimed her much-anticipated first grand slam title and ended the unlikely run of the Polish qualifier with a 6-3, 6-2 victory
David Sullivan steps down at West Ham to fight claims about private life
David Sullivan has announced his resignation as joint-chair and director of West Ham with immediate effect, saying he will sue the BBC for libel
Christmas Day wins Derby for O’Brien as favourite is declared a non-runner
Christmas Day won the Derby at Epsom for trainer Aidan O’Brien but the favourite was declared a non-runner after getting his hoof caught in the stalls at the start