Journalism of Courage
Football News - Page 3
What fans braved for a glimpse of Lionel Messi: Moving on crutches, taking 6 am train after completing night shift & travelling 36 hours
December 16, 2025 00:07 IST
It's hardly a surprise that many die-hard fans travelled long distances, sacrificed sleep, endured pain, and often paid a price normally beyond their means to watch their idol Lionel Messi in the flesh. The Indian Express talked to a few of them to know what the experience meant for them.
Sunil Chhetri says injury nearly prevented him from meeting Lionel Messi: ‘Almost didn’t make the trip to Mumbai’
December 15, 2025 22:06 IST
The Indian footballer also shared that he almost didn't make it to the event die to an injury but ultimately the fan in him won over and he took part in the memorable evening where the Argentine star also shared the stage with Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar.
Lionel Messi’s flight from Mumbai to Delhi delayed, meeting with PM Narendra Modi cancelled
December 15, 2025 14:29 IST
Lionel Messi's proposed meeting with the Prime Minister in Delhi also stood cancelled on Monday, with PM Narendra Modi embarking on a four-day visit to three countries.
Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Che Guevara: How two different countries found same heroesSubscriber Only
December 15, 2025 09:10 IST
From the revolutionary leader who arrived in India in 1959 to the two football superstars, India has adored the Argentinians and the story was no different when Messi came calling
Manchester City keep pressure on Arsenal with 3-0 win at Crystal Palace
December 15, 2025 00:47 IST
Manchester City had offered little, except for Foden testing goalkeeper Dean Henderson from a free-kick, before Haaland met Matheus Nunes' inviting cross with an unstoppable header in the 41st minute from his first sight of goal.
Lionel Messi, Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Chhetri — One evening that turned Wankhede into a football coliseum
December 15, 2025 10:56 IST
On Sunday, Mumbai got its Messi fill. The World Cup winner stepped onto the red carpet laid out for him at 5:51 pm, and his grand entry got the roof down.
When 13-year-old Tanishka nutmegged Luis Suarez in front of Lionel Messi: ‘He looked at me with a surprised expression’
December 14, 2025 22:54 IST
13-year-old Tanishka Kawade found herself with the ball at her feet. What followed was both instinctive and fearless - she nutmegged Luis Suarez.
Sachin Tendulkar gifts Lionel Messi iconic 2011 World Cup winning jersey
December 14, 2025 21:12 IST
Sachin Tendulkar said that Lionel Messi's visit to the Wankhede Stadium is a "golden moment for Mumbai, Mumbaikars and India".
‘I hope that he stays because he is one of my leaders’: Virgil van Djik on Mohammed Salah’s Liverpool future
December 14, 2025 20:56 IST
Salah recently returned to Liverpool's squad on Saturday after getting omitted from the Reds Champions League clash against inter Milan.
Messi in Mumbai – 5:37 pm, enters Wankhede stadium; 6:40 pm, football with Tendulkar and Chhetri
December 14, 2025 13:20 IST
Lionel Messi is expected to arrive at the Wankhede Stadium shortly after 5.35 pm, with a full house set to get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the global icon live.
Arne Slot says ‘no issue’ with Mohamed Salah after Egypt star recalled for Liverpool win
December 14, 2025 01:48 IST
In an explosive outburst last weekend, Salah told reporters his relationship with Slot had broken down after being dropped for three straight games and that he felt like “someone doesn’t want me in the club".
Mohamed Salah records landmark assist for Liverpool in Brighton win after a turbulent week
December 14, 2025 01:41 IST
Salah, whose future was plunged into doubt following his scathing criticism of Slot and the club a week ago, came on to a standing ovation and loud applause as a 26th-minute substitute after an injury to Gomez.
Chelsea return to Premier League top four with 2-0 home win over Everton
December 14, 2025 01:36 IST
Cole Palmer, back in action this month after missing most of the season through injury, drilled the ball between goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and the near post after Gusto's pinpoint pass.
Hyderabad leg of Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour of India goes uneventfully after Kolkata chaos
December 14, 2025 00:18 IST
Sporting a green colour crew neck half sleeve T-shirt, a black pant and a pair of sport shoes, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul wowed fans in Hyderabad.
‘Disappointing that genuine fans didn’t get to see Messi’: Bhaichung Bhutia on chaotic start to GOAT Tour in Kolkata
December 13, 2025 22:24 IST
Baichung Bhutia said that the intentions behind the visit was good but the organisers should have done a better job at keeping "unwanted VIPs" at bay.
Lionel Messi’s itinerary in Hyderabad revealed after chaos in Kolkata event which led to vandalism from angry fans
December 13, 2025 21:28 IST
After the vandalism encountered at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, where fans also invaded the pitch and tired to burn the sofas for VIPs, the superstar flew to Hyderabad.
AIFF on Lionel Messi’s event in Kolkata: ‘AIFF was not involved, was private event organised by PR agency’
December 13, 2025 18:05 IST
As anger continues to simmer in Kolkata after Messi's brief appearance at Salt Lake Stadium, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) issued a statement clarifying that it had nothing to do with the event.
Messi tour Day 1: Chaos as angry fans ransack stadium in Kolkata; organiser held
December 14, 2025 09:37 IST
The incident happened after Messi left the field after only 20 minutes after arriving at the stadium at 11.30 AM via car.
Lionel Messi GOAT Tour of India Live Updates: Lionel Messi meets Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai, presents No 10 jersey to Argentine icon
December 14, 2025 18:55 IST
Lionel Messi GOAT Tour of India Today Live News Updates: Angry fans, who had paid thousands for tickets, have lashed out at the organisers and the authorities after Messi left Salt Lake Stadium within minutes. Videos show fans vandalising and setting fire to sofas for VIPs.
Fan group urges FIFA to halt World Cup ticket sales over ‘extortionate’ prices
December 13, 2025 00:48 IST
In a statement on Thursday, the European fan umbrella group said prices for tickets allocated to Participating Member Associations (PMA) – typically distributed via official supporters' clubs or loyalty schemes – had reached "astronomical" levels.
Mohamed Salah included in Liverpool squad for Brighton match: Reports
December 13, 2025 00:26 IST
Manager Arne Slot earlier said he had no reason to want Salah to leave Liverpool as the Dutchman prepared for a face-to-face meeting with the Egypt international on Friday.
Rs 10 lakh for a handshake and a photo-op with Lionel Messi: Kolkata set to kickstart ‘GOAT India Tour 2025’
December 12, 2025 21:25 IST
Despite the steep ticketing prices, starting from Rs 3800 and ranging up to Rs 11,800, the Salt Lake Stadium is unlikely to wear a deserted look when Lionel Messi comes visiting the City of Joy.
Lionel Messi India Tour 2025: Date, Time, Event, Ticket Price in Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad
December 12, 2025 19:49 IST
Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour 2025 Date, Time, Event, Schedule, Ticket Price: Lionel Messi is set to embark on a four-city tour of Indioa starting on December 13
‘I got death threats’: Wayne Rooney opens up about his transfer to Manchester United from Everton in 2004
December 12, 2025 14:51 IST
Wayne Rooney said that he needed to have immense mental strength to deal with such actions and was clear about what he wanted in his career.
Backed by his players, Xabi Alonso sees Real Madrid getting through its tough moment
December 12, 2025 01:05 IST
Madrid lost 2-1 to Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday, remaining with only two wins in its last eight matches in all competitions.
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