Greg Inglis still cuts a formidable a figure. But with one chilling revelation, he sheds light on the day he was almost lost forever.

Lionel Messi has left the door open for a sensational appearance at the 2030 World Cup after cementing his legacy as the greatest goalscorer in the history of the competition. The Argentina icon, currently leading the Albiceleste's charge at the 2026 tournament in North America, recently surpassed Miroslav Klose to take his total tally to 18 goals across six editions. The GOAT Refuses to Say Goodbye Despite turning 39 this week, Messi is showing no interest in discussing his retirement from the international stage. When quizzed about the possibility of featuring in the 2030 World Cup, which will celebrate the tournament's centenary, the Inter Miami star remained evasive but optimistic about his longevity. "I don't know. The truth is, I'm not thinking about that right now. It seems a bit far off but, as I said, I'm living one day at a time and focused on the present," Messi told reporters, per ANI. The veteran forward, who has scored all five of Argentina's goals in their opening two group matches against Algeria and Austria, insisted his continued participation depends entirely on his physical state. Messi added: "Yes, yes... I will continue for some time, as long as I can contribute, feel good physically, and help my teammates... I will keep playing." His comments suggest that the dream of seeing him compete at age 43 remains very much alive for football fans globally. Record-Breaking Exploits On The World Stage Messi's current form suggests that age remains little more than a number for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. By netting a brace in the 2-0 win over Austria, he became theall-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history, moving past the previous record of 16 goals. It has been a clinical start to the 2026 campaign, following his hat-trick in the opening match that also made him the oldest player to score a treble in the competition's history. The former Barcelona star was humble when reflecting on his milestone, even after missing a penalty earlier in the match. "The truth is that it is spectacular how it happened," Messi admitted. "Today I had the penalty that I could have increased the score with, but if I had scored the penalty, perhaps I wouldn't have scored the other two. You never know, but I'm happy with the result." Peak Physical Condition at 39 While most players have long since retired by their late thirties, Messi continues to stun observers with his fitness levels. While celebrating his 39th birthday, the Argentine captain shared footage of himself performingperfect pull-ups at the Albiceleste's training base, demonstrating the rigorous gym work behind his on-field success. This physical dedication has convinced many that he could follow in the footsteps of other sporting icons who played well into their forties. Pundits are already speculating on what his next club move might be, with former England international Gabby Agbonlahor agrees that a 2030 World Cup appearance is on the cards. Agbonlahor even suggested that if Messi were to make a shock move to the Premier League with Aston Villa, he would lead them to both domestic and European glory. Defending The Title in North America For now, the primary focus remains defending the World Cup trophy. Argentina have already secured their place in the Round of 32 with a game to spare, allowing manager Lionel Scaloni to potentially rest his stars for their final Group J encounter against Jordan. Scaloni has been vocal about his desire to keep his captain happy and thriving, noting the positive atmosphere within the squad as they pursue back-to-back world titles. "We believe its the group that gets through both the good and the bad moments. We know that being beside a friend always makes things better. Thats how we all feel, and I imagine Leo feels the same way, based on what he said," Scaloni remarked. With the knockout rounds looming, Messis record-breaking form and elite physical condition suggest that Argentina remain the team to beat as they march toward the final in New York.

Adam Finkelstein has the breakdown of each pick in one of the best drafts in recent memory

Arizona designated player Anyssa Wild (19) | Photo by Ryan KelapireOrlando isnt the worst place for a young person looking to get out of her hometown for the first time. Thats where former Arizona designated player and Tucson native Anyssa Wild is headed. Wild announced her commitment to UCF on Wednesday.So excited for this new chapter! Go Knights! @UCF_Softballpic.twitter.com/BPBI9Soswj Anyssa Wild (@WildAnyssa) June 24, 2026Wild played her prep ball for Salpointe Catholic just up the street from the University of Arizona. She didnt originally commit to the Wildcats, though. She was headed to BYU where her former travel ball coach was on the staff. He got a head coaching job elsewhere and she reconsidered her options. They took her right back home to Tucson.Wild spent her two years at Arizona primarily as a pinch hitter and designated player. She was having a strong sophomore season at DP when she was hit by a pitch and broke her arm. She never returned to the field for the Wildcats.Wild hit .333 with a 1.101 OPS in 27 at-bats before her season was cut short by an errant pitch in a game against Texas Tech on Mar. 14. She had a .471 on-base percentage in 28 plate appearances. Over her two seasons as a Wildcat, Wild hit .340 in 36 games. She made 10 starts. She had 16 hits in 47 at-bats. Almost half of her hits went for extra bases with four doubles and three home runs. That was good for a .617 slugging percentage and 1.063 OPS.Wild is one of two players who are transferring out of the program who have announced their new programs. Emma Kavanagh announced her transfer to Virginia Tech on Tuesday. That leaves Jenna Sniffen as the lone Wildcat looking for her new home.Arizona added four players from the transfer portal. All four came from quality mid-majors and fill needs. With the new five-in-five rule, they all have two years left to play. The group includes North Texas catcher Elizabeth Moffitt and outfielder Madison Conley, South Alabama pitcher Ryley Harrison, and Liberty pitcher Kaylan Yoder.

J.B. Bickerstaff, coach of the Pistons and president of the National Basketball Coaches Association, calls the structure of new Trail Blazers coach Micah Nori's contract a "slap in the face to our value."

The Paraguayan Football Association has reportedly lodged an official complaint with FIFA after Englands Jude Bellingham escaped punishment for covering his mouth during a match.

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Christian Pulisic says he feels great now after missing one World Cup match with a calf injury, and he hopes to play for the U.S. in its final group match against Turkey on Thursday night.Pulisic played a dynamic first half in the Americans' historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay to open their home World Cup nearly two weeks ago, but the AC Milan midfielder came off at halftime after an injury from training stiffened up.Pulisic said he nearly played in the U.S.' 2-0 victory over Australia last Friday but was held out to get closer to full fitness for the games ahead. He has returned to practice with his teammates this week after working out on his own last week before the trip to Seattle.I'm hoping to play a part in (the match against Turkey), for sure, Pulisic said before the U.S. training session Wednesday at Great Park. Ill discuss that with my coaches and the medical staff. Obviously not a good chance Ill probably go and play 90 (minutes) right away after you come back and miss a game, but well see.U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino didn't reveal his plan Wednesday for Pulisic in the match against Turkey, which is meaningless for both teams. The Americans are locked into first place in their group, while Turkey has been eliminated from knockout-round contention."Pulisic is talking with the medical (staff)," Pochettino said in an afternoon news conference at SoFi Stadium. We have to decide if its possible to play from the beginning, or maybe play from the bench and play the second half.Pochettino did indicate that his players who have already received yellow cards Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson and Tyler Adams are unlikely to play, at least as starters.For the guys that have yellow cards, its not necessary to take another yellow card and not be available for the next stage, Pochettino said. Its a normal, easy answer not to play with them from the beginning.Pulisic hopes the plan includes at least some playing time for him as the U.S. ramps up for its Round-of-32 match in Santa Clara, California, on July 1. While Pulisic's calf injury robbed him of one chance on the World Cup stage, he felt certain he wouldn't be out for long.I never feared anything worse, Pulisic said. I was pushing, and I was really close to trying to be available for the last game, for sure. I did feel a little something (against Paraguay), but I definitely was able to push through in the first half and just get me through. But yeah, it wasnt quite ready, but it wasnt anything where I feared anything worse than what it was.With no stakes for the U.S. against Turkey, Pochettino seems likely to provide some rest to key players in his starting lineup while giving a few of his reserves possibly their only opportunity to hit the field. That sounds great to Richards, who thinks some time off wouldn't be a hindrance.Our trainings are pretty intense," Richards said. "I think fitness won't be an issue. I don't think sharpness will be, either. Obviously it's good to keep into some sort of rhythm, but I think these guys deserve it if they get the chance (Thursday). I think we'll be fine when it comes to the next game.Pulisic was visibly excited as a spectator during the Americans' win in Seattle, celebrating along with his teammates as they capably handled a second straight opponent for their team's first consecutive World Cup victories since 1930. The U.S. offensive performance without its most accomplished attacking player, particularly in the first half against Australia, pleased Pulisic greatly.Its not surprising to me, Pulisic said. I see what this team can do. We have depth. We have really strong players in a lot of positions. I dont need to do everything. Its such a strong team. These guys, everyone has each others backs. Thats what so fun about it, and to see the way the team performance that weve put in, especially the way weve started the games, has been fun to watch.___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/FIFA-World-Cup

Christian Pulisic says he feels great now after missing one World Cup match with a calf injury, and he hopes to play for the U.S. in its final group match against Turkey on Thursday night.Pulisic played a dynamic first half in the Americans' historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay to open their home World Cup nearly two weeks ago, but the AC Milan midfielder came off at halftime after an injury from training stiffened up.Pulisic said he nearly played in the U.S.' 2-0 victory over Australia last Friday but was held out to get closer to full fitness for the games ahead. He has returned to practice with his teammates this week after working out on his own last week before the trip to Seattle.I'm hoping to play a part in (the match against Turkey), for sure, Pulisic said before the U.S. training session Wednesday at Great Park. Ill discuss that with my coaches and the medical staff. Obviously not a good chance Ill probably go and play 90 (minutes) right away after you come back and miss a game, but well see.U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino didn't reveal his plan Wednesday for Pulisic in the match against Turkey, which is meaningless for both teams. The Americans are locked into first place in their group, while Turkey has been eliminated from knockout-round contention."Pulisic is talking with the medical (staff)," Pochettino said in an afternoon news conference at SoFi Stadium. We have to decide if its possible to play from the beginning, or maybe play from the bench and play the second half.Pochettino did indicate that his players who have already received yellow cards Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson and Tyler Adams are unlikely to play, at least as starters.For the guys that have yellow cards, its not necessary to take another yellow card and not be available for the next stage, Pochettino said. Its a normal, easy answer not to play with them from the beginning.Pulisic hopes the plan includes at least some playing time for him as the U.S. ramps up for its Round-of-32 match in Santa Clara, California, on July 1. While Pulisic's calf injury robbed him of one chance on the World Cup stage, he felt certain he wouldn't be out for long.I never feared anything worse, Pulisic said. I was pushing, and I was really close to trying to be available for the last game, for sure. I did feel a little something (against Paraguay), but I definitely was able to push through in the first half and just get me through. But yeah, it wasnt quite ready, but it wasnt anything where I feared anything worse than what it was.With no stakes for the U.S. against Turkey, Pochettino seems likely to provide some rest to key players in his starting lineup while giving a few of his reserves possibly their only opportunity to hit the field. That sounds great to Richards, who thinks some time off wouldn't be a hindrance.Our trainings are pretty intense," Richards said. "I think fitness won't be an issue. I don't think sharpness will be, either. Obviously it's good to keep into some sort of rhythm, but I think these guys deserve it if they get the chance (Thursday). I think we'll be fine when it comes to the next game.Pulisic was visibly excited as a spectator during the Americans' win in Seattle, celebrating along with his teammates as they capably handled a second straight opponent for their team's first consecutive World Cup victories since 1930. The U.S. offensive performance without its most accomplished attacking player, particularly in the first half against Australia, pleased Pulisic greatly.Its not surprising to me, Pulisic said. I see what this team can do. We have depth. We have really strong players in a lot of positions. I dont need to do everything. Its such a strong team. These guys, everyone has each others backs. Thats what so fun about it, and to see the way the team performance that weve put in, especially the way weve started the games, has been fun to watch.___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/FIFA-World-Cup

FIFA has confirmed that rainbow flags will be permitted inside Lumen Field when Iran face Egypt in Seattle's designated "Pride Match" on Friday, dismissing lobbying efforts from both Muslim-majority nations.The world governing body stated that the 2026 World Cup is "an inclusive event that welcomes people from all backgrounds," adding that "fans of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome at matches and events."Rainbow flags and other symbols representing sexual orientation and gender identity are explicitly allowed under the tournament's stadium code of conduct, FIFA confirmed.Both Iran and Egypt had pressed for restrictions on Pride-related expressions during the Group G fixture. Iran's football federation president Mehdi Taj condemned the situation, whilst Egypt's Football Association wrote to FIFA "categorically rejecting any activities related to supporting homosexuality during the match."The designation of the 26th June fixture as a "Pride Match" was established by Seattle's local organising committee well before December's World Cup draw determined which teams would participate.When the draw placed Iran and Egypt in the Group G slot, the pairing created an immediate tension with the host city's intentions.Egypt's Football Association subsequently urged FIFA to prevent any Pride-related activities, arguing that such events conflicted with the country's cultural and religious values.Iran's governing body filed a formal objection with FIFA. Same-sex relations can carry the death penalty in the Islamic Republic.The Pride Match remains "a host city initiative" and is separate from FIFA, a spokesperson for football's governing body told Reuters.Seattle's Pride weekend celebrations have taken place on this weekend for more than fifty years.Members of Seattle's LGBTQ+ community have expressed optimism that the fixture could serve as a catalyst for broader acceptance.Jon Cairns, the 49-year-old manager of local LGBTQ+ venue Kremwerk, told Reuters: "International sports is one of the biggest brokers historically of social change and individual rights and freedoms worldwide, including in the U.S."He drew parallels with Jesse Owens' four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics and the raised-fist protest by Tommie Smith and John Carlos in 1968, noting that "only international sports could reach that big of an audience."Ryan Webster, a 40-year-old lifestyle manager, described the match as an opportunity for solidarity with those whose sexuality is criminalised in their home countries."I'm choosing to believe that this is our moment to allow the members of the LGBTQ community that come from those countries to have the opportunity to celebrate themselves in totality that they might not have otherwise," he said.Seattle authorities have established designated protest zones surrounding the stadium in anticipation of demonstrations during the fixture.Mayor Katie Wilson stated: "We are very much expecting and prepared for protest activity, which is why we have many designated protest zones in the stadium area, and our law enforcement is very prepared to deal with that."The preparations follow recent protests at Southern California matches against Iran's current regime and FIFA's prohibition of the pre-revolutionary "Lion and Sun" flag.Hedda McLendon, senior vice president of legacy for Seattle's World Cup organising committee, told Outsports: "We anticipate a lot of rainbow flags in the stadium and T-shirts with rainbow flags on them. Let's welcome people to Seattle. It's the World Cup. And let's show them how we Pride."Seattle's annual PrideFest regularly attracts more than 200,000 participants.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter