Messi Leads Argentina’s Stunning Comeback Over Egypt to Reach World Cup Quarterfinals
ATLANTA (AP) — Lionel Messi delivered once again on the World Cup stage. The Argentine superstar scored a crucial goal and helped orchestrate a remarkable two-goal comeback as Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2, despite being down by two with just 11 minutes remaining in regulation. The defending champions will face Switzerland in the quarterfinals this Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Messi was visibly emotional at the final whistle, with tears streaming down his face. His goal in the 83rd minute — his eighth of the tournament and a record-extending 21st in World Cup history — tied the match at 2-2. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez then delivered the winning strike in stoppage time. Messi had also assisted on Cristian Romero’s header in the 79th minute, directly contributing to two of Argentina’s three goals.
Djokovic Survives Five-Hour Wimbledon Epic to Reach Semifinals
LONDON (AP) — Novak Djokovic dug deep over more than five grueling hours at Wimbledon, outlasting Felix Auger-Aliassime in a five-set battle, winning 7-6 (10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4) to book a semifinal spot against defending champion Jannik Sinner. The two have history — Sinner beat Djokovic in straight sets in last year’s Wimbledon semifinals, while Djokovic edged the Italian over five sets in this year’s Australian Open quarterfinals. At 39 years old, Djokovic continues to rewrite the record books in pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title. He has now reached a record eighth consecutive Wimbledon semifinal, surpassing Roger Federer for the most consecutive men’s singles semifinal appearances at the grass-court major.
Switzerland Advances to World Cup Quarterfinals in Shootout Over Colombia
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Ruben Vargas converted his penalty kick as Switzerland edged Colombia 4-3 in a shootout to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals following a scoreless draw. Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez saw his attempt strike the crossbar, and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel denied Cucho Hernandez to seal the win for Switzerland. The Swiss will now face defending champion Argentina on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. It marks Switzerland’s first appearance in the World Cup quarterfinals since they hosted the tournament back in 1954.
Former Cowboys Defensive End Found to Have Early-Stage CTE at Time of Death
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was suffering from early-stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy when he took his own life following a high-speed police chase in November 2025. His family released the findings of a postmortem brain analysis through the Concussion and CTE Foundation. Researchers at the Boston University CTE Center determined Kneeland had reached stage one of four of the degenerative brain disease. Kneeland was 24 years old. He had played college football at Western Michigan University before being selected by Dallas in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
US Men’s Soccer Team Remains Stuck in Place Despite Growing Investment
SEATTLE (AP) — Despite significant growth in American soccer, the U.S. men’s national team continues to fall short of expectations. Christian Pulisic and his teammates once again failed to advance past the round of 16 at the World Cup, losing to Belgium 4-1 on Monday — a result consistent with the team’s struggles over the past quarter century. Billions of dollars have been poured into developing the program, yet it remains far from world-class. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to discuss his future with the U.S. Soccer Federation. Goalkeeping has emerged as a significant weakness, though the expansion to a 48-team World Cup format should ease future qualifying challenges. Young players Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman have been bright spots going forward.
Caitlin Clark Eyes Return Against Sparks, May Sit Out Back-to-Back
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Three-time WNBA All-Star Caitlin Clark is hopeful she can return from a back injury Wednesday night when the Indiana Fever visit the Los Angeles Sparks, but she may have to sit out Thursday’s highly anticipated rematch at Phoenix. Clark has missed Indiana’s last two games since leaving a June 24 contest in Phoenix with the injury. The following day, league officials handed down a one-game suspension to Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas for what they described as “recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area” of Clark. Clark said she anticipates playing on a minutes restriction Wednesday, targeting just over 20 minutes of action.
Serena Williams Reportedly Eyeing US Open Return in Summer of New York
LONDON (AP) — New York City is having quite a summer — and Serena Williams may be about to add to it. Following the Knicks’ first NBA championship in more than 50 years, Taylor Swift’s wedding at Madison Square Garden, and the World Cup final played just across the Hudson River, all signs point to the 44-year-old Williams making her return to the U.S. Open next month for the first time in four years. Her coach, Rennae Stubbs, confirmed that Williams’ “intention is to keep playing; the U.S. Open as well.”
Naomi Osaka Exits Wimbledon Quarterfinals, Cites Foot Pain and Aging
LONDON (AP) — Naomi Osaka may be a four-time Grand Slam champion known for her style on and off the court, but after Tuesday’s quarterfinal exit at Wimbledon, she sounded like someone who had simply had enough. Osaka fell to Karolina Muchova 7-6 (4), 6-4, ending both her tournament run and her much-talked-about fashion showcase at the grass-court Grand Slam. The 28-year-old had knocked out top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in the fourth round but couldn’t find her footing against her Czech opponent. Osaka cited plantar fasciitis and fatigue as factors, saying “I’m just getting old” and adding that she “didn’t have any energy” and has “plantar fasciitis on my feet.”
Knicks Star Jalen Brunson Undergoes Left Wrist Surgery, Expected Back This Summer
NEW YORK (AP) — NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson has had surgery on his left wrist and is expected to return to the court in time for the New York Knicks to begin defending their championship, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday. No official announcement has been made about the procedure. Brunson, who is left-handed, played through the wrist issue during New York’s run to their first title since 1973, including a 45-point performance in the championship-clinching Game 5 win in San Antonio.
