Argentina may have America to thank for Lionel Messi’s latest World Cup heroics
ATLANTA (AP) — Lionel Messi’s move to America will look like a masterstroke if he leads Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles. His decision to join Inter Miami in 2023 has already been good for all parties, raising the profile of soccer in the United States, delivering titles for his club and writing a new chapter in his storied career. But Argentina could be the biggest winner of all, with Messi arriving at what might be his last World Cup with his powers still at stratospheric levels aged 38.
A flurry of goals and convincing wins are raising US World Cup hopes and expectations
The early results are in: This U.S men’s national team is for real in this World Cup. With a creative offensive attack producing goals in front of stadium-shaking home crowds, the Americans have already won their group and booked their place in the knockout round. A final group stage match against Turkey in Los Angeles awaits. The optimism and expectations of a deep run in the tournament are rising quickly.
Undav scores twice as Germany beats Ivory Coast 2-1, advances to World Cup knockout phase
TORONTO (AP) — Deniz Undav scored twice after being subbed on in the second half as Germany defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 on Saturday and clinched a spot in the knockout phase at the World Cup. Four minutes into stoppage time, Undav received a pass from Felix Nmecha in front of the net and rifled it past Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana to give the Germans a comeback win. Undav’s first goal of the match came after Nadiem Amiri sent in a long ball – that striker Kai Havertz let pass him by – onto the boot of Undav, who slammed it into the back of the net at the 68th minute. Both Amiri and Undav had subbed on eight minutes earlier.
Phantastic performances: Phillies’ Schwarber homers twice in inning, Harper hits for cycle vs Mets
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper delivered impressive hitting performances in the Philadelphia Phillies’ 15-3 win over the New York Mets. Schwarber slugged two long home runs in the Phillies’ eight-run third inning Saturday night. He led off with a solo homer and later hit a three-run shot, marking his major league-leading 27th home run of the season. Harper became the 11th player in franchise history to hit for the cycle. He hit a solo home run in the first, doubled in the third, singled after Schwarber’s second home run, and completed the cycle with a two-run triple in the fifth inning. He’s the second player to hit for the cycle this season.
More than just happy to be here, New Zealand hunts first-ever knockout run
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — New Zealand, at No. 82 ranked fourth lowest in the tournament, has a chance to go from ‘just happy to be here’ to its first-ever World Cup win against Egypt Sunday. New Zealand’s presence in this tournament is tied directly to the expanded field. The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) earned its first-ever automatic berth, and the All Whites claimed it through a three‑step qualifying process that concluded with a 3–0 win over No. 151 New Caledonia. New Zealand played to a 2-2 draw with No. 22 Iran in the opener. With two group matches left, New Zealand can break its single‑tournament scoring record and chase its first‑ever World Cup win.
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani says he is a father again in an Instagram post
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani is a father again. The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar has shared the news on his Instagram account. He and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, expressed joy over the safe birth and thanked supporters. A photo of tiny feet and a blue blanket suggest he has a son to go with his daughter, who was born in April 2025. The news of Ohtani’s impending fatherhood emerged Friday when he was absent from the Dodgers’ lineup. The team announced he was on paternity leave. Ohtani was back in the lineup in the leadoff spot for Saturday’s game against the Orioles. Ohtani is known for keeping his family life private.
Oklahoma a win away from national title after roughing up North Carolina ace in Game 1 of CWS finals
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Deiten Lachance homered twice off North Carolina ace Jason DeCaro, Oklahoma shut down the Tar Heels after the first inning and the Sooners won Game 1 of the College World Series finals 9-3 to move within a victory of the national championship. The Sooners used a four-run fourth inning to pull away on Saturday. Cord Rager and two relievers allowed only two runners to reach second base after the Tar Heels had struck for three early runs. Oklahoma will go for its third national title Sunday. North Carolina is looking for its first and will try to force a Game 3 Monday.
Come inside Iran’s World Cup hotel in Tijuana, Mexico, where fans turn out to cheer
TIJUANA, Mexico (AP) — The entrance to the hotel housing Iran’s World Cup team in Tijuana, Mexico, is barricaded and flanked by police and members of the Mexican National Guard. Despite the tensions and challenges surrounding Iran’s participation in the World Cup, early Saturday morning finds the mood inside the hotel relaxed, even jubilant. Several dozen fans mingle and bond over their shared excitement to see the squad’s players before they depart for their second group-stage match. Some say showing up is important because of what they describe as unfair conditions imposed on the team. Some make the drive from the U.S. Others live in Tijuana and are eager to show hospitality.