Messi and Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time thriller, advancing to World Cup Round of 16
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi and Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 on Friday and advanced to the World Cup Round of 16 in a thrilling match in which the tiny island nation challenged the reigning champion until the final minutes of extra time. The go-ahead score for Argentina was credited as an own-goal after Cristian Romero’s header deflected off Cape Verde’s Diney Borges in the 111th minute. Messi scored early in regulation, his record-extending 20th career World Cup goal. Argentina advanced to face Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi scores 20th World Cup goal, extends streak to 8 games and takes Golden Boot lead
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi has scored again, making Friday’s contest against Cape Verde the record-extending eighth consecutive World Cup match in which Argentina’s captain has delivered at least one goal. Messi’s goal in the 29th minute against Cape Verde was the 20th of his World Cup career, extending his record and moving him two goals ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappé on the all-time list. Messi has seven goals in this year’s tournament. That's one more than Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot as the top scorer of this World Cup. He has scored 12 times in his last eight World Cup matches. Argentina escaped with a 3-2 win in extra time.
Teammates of Travis Kelce and others around sports attend his wedding to Taylor Swift
NEW YORK (AP) — JuJu Smith-Schuster, Cooper Kupp and many other NFL players and other prominent sports figures made up part of the star-studded crowd for Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s wedding at Madison Square Garden. Kareem Hunt was one of Kelce’s many current or former Kansas City Chiefs teammates spotted in New York ahead of the wedding, which was also expected to be attended by retired Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl-winning brother Jason, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and others from football, golf and beyond.
Magical World Cup ride of Vozinha and Cape Verde ends after pushing Messi and Argentina to the brink
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Vozinha's dream was for his mother to see him play at the World Cup, and he achieved that and more. Cape Verde didn't win a match, but their debut was unforgettable, thanks to the 40-year-old goalkeeper. Their journey ended Friday in the round of 32 against Argentina. The final score was 3-2 in extra time. Vozinha's performance included four elite saves against Messi. Cape Verde's debut, marked by a scoreless draw against Spain, captivated fans. Despite their loss, the Blue Sharks gained recognition and $11 million from FIFA. They became known for their spirit and determination.
What we know: LeBron James considering a slew of options in free agency
MIAMI (AP) — LeBron James is at the center of NBA attention despite a wave of trades. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, and others have moved teams, but all eyes are on James. His agent, Rich Paul, says James remains the league's face. James, turning 42 in December, will play his 24th season, but not with the Lakers. Paul hinted at possible teams, including Philadelphia and New York, on the “Game Over” podcast. James' decision timeline is unknown, and money isn't a major factor. He seeks a title-contending team that suits his lifestyle. The wait for his choice continues.
Caitlin Clark condemns 'harassment' as WNBA players face a surge of online threats
NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA has gotten a lot more attention the past few seasons with the addition of Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and others to the league. A multi-billion dollar media rights deal, million dollar salaries and higher attendance have been the positives. An increase of social media vitriol toward players and teams has been the negative. Social media hatred toward players and teams is nothing new and isn’t just directed toward WNBA players. It’s been going on for more than a decade toward the league and its players. However, it has gotten worse lately with players and coaches receiving threats for things that happen on the court.
Jhon Arias scores and Colombia beats Ghana 1-0 to reach the World Cup Round of 16
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jhon Arias scored in the opening minutes for Colombia, and Los Cafeteros held on the rest of the way for a 1-0 win over Ghana and a spot in the round of 16 of the World Cup. The win Friday night sets up a match against Switzerland on Tuesday in Vancouver, British Columbia. Arias scored off a cross from Luis Suárez, who had just come on as an injury substitute. Colombia dominated possession, while Ghana struggled to mount any offense. The match took place in sweltering conditions at Arrowhead Stadium. It was 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31.1 Celsius) with a heat index of 96 when the game kicked off at 8:30 p.m. local time.
US striker Folarin Balogun says a yellow card, not red card, would have been ‘fair’ at the World Cup
SEATTLE (AP) — United States forward Folarin Balogun says he respectfully disagrees with his red card in the 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup. Balogun was sent off Wednesday for stepping on the right ankle of Tarik Muharemovic. Before Friday’s practice at Husky Soccer Stadium in Seattle, Balogun said a yellow card would have been fairer. He automatically is suspended from Monday's Round of 16 game against Belgium. He'll be available for the quarterfinals if the U.S. advances. Balogun says he's experienced a roller coaster of emotions of late.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are married. What to know about the wedding
NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have tied the knot at Madison Square Garden. Adam Sandler officiated the star-studded event, which included guests like Camila Cabello, Hugh Grant, and Gigi Hadid. The announcement was made Friday evening, but many details remain hidden, including photos of the couple's attire. Swift wore Cartier jewelry, and both wore outfits by Christian Dior Haute Couture. Celebrities and fans alike have rushed to celebrate the couple's marriage, with Dolly Parton even joking about their future children.
Shohei Ohtani unlikely to pitch in the All-Star Game after the Dodgers adjust his schedule
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani is unlikely to pitch in the All-Star Game after the Los Angeles Dodgers adjusted his schedule. The two-way superstar has primarily been starting on the mound every Wednesday, but the team moved him to Friday this week to manage his workload. Manager Dave Roberts says it's hard to imagine Ohtani pitching on July 14 in Philadelphia because he's now lined up to pitch July 10 for the Dodgers against Arizona. However, Ohtani is already penciled in as the National League's starter at designated hitter because he was the overall leader in the first phase of fan voting.
