Sports

Messi to Be Rested for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Against Brazil and Uruguay Due to Discomfort

Published

9 months ago

March 19, 2025

Argentina has decided to rest Lionel Messi for their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, a decision confirmed by head coach Lionel Scaloni during the announcement of the 26-man squad on Monday. Paulo Dybala will also miss his third consecutive appearance for the national team due to injury.

Messi recently missed three league matches with Inter Miami attributed to ‘fatigue’ but returned during the 2-1 victory over Atlanta United on Monday (IST). Javier Mascherano, the coach of Inter Miami, clarified that Messi is not injured; he was rested as a safety measure, though he is now reportedly experiencing some discomfort.

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So far, Argentina has accumulated the highest points after each match day, with goal difference being the only factor preventing them from leading the table since the beginning of the qualifiers. Despite this, Lionel Scaloni’s team has secured the top position after the third round of fixtures and has maintained it ever since.

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Following their Copa America victory, Argentina experienced two defeats in this qualification campaign—against Colombia and Paraguay—and dropped points with a draw against Venezuela, all of which occurred in away matches while Messi was sidelined with injury.

Nonetheless, this setback hasn’t significantly impacted their campaign, as they maintain a five-point lead over second-placed Uruguay, with only three points separating second and sixth place in the standings.

With seventh-placed Bolivia able to collect a maximum of 31 points, Argentina needs just seven points from the available 18 to secure their automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their challenge lies in the fact that their next two matches are against South American powerhouses Uruguay (March 21) and Brazil (March 25).

Argentina squad:

Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille Olympique), Walter Benítez (PSV Eindhoven), Nahuel Molina (Atletico de Madrid), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), German Pezzella (River Plate), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille Olympique), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Facundo Medina (Racing Club de Lens), Nicolas Tagliafico (Olympique de Lyon), Leandro Paredes (AS Roma), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico de Madrid), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Máximo Perrone (Like 1907), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético de Madrid), Benjamin Domínguez (Bologna FC), Thiago Almada (Olympique de Lyon), Nicolas Gonzalez (Juventus), Angel Correa (Atletico de Madrid), Nicolas Paz (Like 1907), Julian Alvarez (Atlético de Madrid), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), Santiago Castro (Bologna FC).

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Sports

Historic Test Debut in Guwahati as South Africa Reach 247/6 on Day 1

Published

3 weeks ago

November 23, 2025

Namma Kudla

On the first day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, South Africa made a strong start, reaching 247 for 6 at stumps.The venue, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, hosted its very first Test match in history — making the day special for Guwahati and cricket in Assam.

South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first.Their openers, Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35), gave a solid start with a partnership of 82 runs.Later, Tristan Stubbs added 49 before getting out, while Bavuma made 41.

India fought back well thanks to a strong performance by spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 3 wickets and gave away only 48 runs in 17 overs.Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with an important wicket, dismissing Bavuma. In the final over before stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck, getting Tony de Zorzi out.At the end of play, Senuran Muthusamy was unbeaten on 25, and Kyle Verreynne was 1 not out.

The light became a concern late in the day. As visibility dropped, play was stopped, and light issues forced the umpires to call it a day early.Overall, India ended Day 1 with a degree of satisfaction. The bowling attack showed discipline, especially through their spinners, and they managed to check the South African momentum.

Sports

India A Post 297/4 as Vaibhav Suryavanshi Smashes 144 Off 42 Balls

Published

4 weeks ago

November 14, 2025

Namma Kudla

India A began their Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign with a huge total against the UAE in Doha. Captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. Vaibhav Suryavanshi then produced a stunning innings. He scored 144 runs from just 42 balls. His knock included 11 fours and 15 sixes.

Suryavanshi reached his fifty in 17 balls. He completed his century in only 32 balls. He added 163 runs for the second wicket with Naman Dhir, who made 34. Jitesh Sharma also played a quick innings and scored a fast fifty.

India A finished at 297 for 4 in 20 overs. The team now holds a strong position in the match.

Sports

Sri Lankan Players Express Security Fears in Pakistan, Board Urges Them to Stay

Published

1 month ago

November 13, 2025

Namma Kudla

Some Sri Lankan cricketers in Pakistan have asked to return home after a bomb blast in Islamabad killed 12 people on Wednesday. The team is currently playing a three-match ODI series in Rawalpindi, which is close to Islamabad.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a statement that it had spoken to the players and assured them of their safety. The board is working with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and local authorities to ensure full security.

SLC has directed all players and staff to continue the tour. It warned that if anyone still chooses to return, replacements will be sent and a review will be held later.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are also set to play a T20I tri-series with Zimbabwe from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore. PCB chief and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is overseeing the security arrangements for all three teams.