Argentina edges Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time, advances to Round of 16
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Lionel Messi and Argentina survived a dramatic scare Friday, defeating Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time to advance to the World Cup Round of 16. The small island nation pushed the defending champions to the brink before Argentina pulled ahead in the 111th minute on an own-goal — a header by Cristian Romero that deflected off Cape Verde’s Diney Borges. Messi had opened the scoring earlier in regulation with his record-extending 20th career World Cup goal. Argentina will now face Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Messi extends record with 20th World Cup goal, leads Golden Boot race
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Friday’s match against Cape Verde marked the eighth straight World Cup game in which Lionel Messi has scored at least once, a new record for the Argentine captain. His 29th-minute strike was the 20th goal of his World Cup career, putting him two ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappé on the all-time list. Messi now has seven goals in this year’s tournament — one more than Mbappé — in the race for the Golden Boot. He has found the net 12 times across his last eight World Cup appearances. Argentina held on for a 3-2 extra time victory.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce marry at Madison Square Garden
NEW YORK — Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are officially husband and wife after exchanging vows at Madison Square Garden. Actor Adam Sandler officiated the ceremony, which drew a celebrity-packed crowd including Camila Cabello, Hugh Grant, and Gigi Hadid. The announcement came Friday evening, though many details — including photos of the couple’s outfits — have been kept private. Swift wore Cartier jewelry, and both she and Kelce dressed in Christian Dior Haute Couture. Dolly Parton was among those celebrating the newlyweds, even joking about their future children.
NFL stars show up for Kelce-Swift nuptials
NEW YORK — The guest list at Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s wedding included a who’s-who of the sports world. Among those spotted in New York were NFL players JuJu Smith-Schuster, Cooper Kupp, and Kareem Hunt — a current or former Kansas City Chiefs teammate of Kelce. Retired Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl champion Jason Kelce, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, and figures from golf and other sports were also expected to attend.
Cape Verde’s 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha leaves lasting World Cup impression
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Cape Verde’s debut World Cup run came to an end Friday with a 3-2 extra time loss to Argentina, but goalkeeper Vozinha and his teammates made a lasting mark on the tournament. The 40-year-old netminder had dreamed of his mother watching him play on the world’s biggest stage — and that dream came true. Vozinha made four elite saves against Messi during the run, and Cape Verde’s earlier scoreless draw against Spain turned heads worldwide. Despite not winning a match, the Blue Sharks earned $11 million from FIFA and won over fans with their heart and determination.
LeBron James weighing options as NBA free agency heats up
MIAMI — All eyes in the NBA remain on LeBron James as he considers his next move in free agency. While players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown have already changed teams, James has yet to make a decision. His agent, Rich Paul, appeared on the “Game Over” podcast and hinted at possible destinations including Philadelphia and New York, while emphasizing that James remains the face of the league. James, who turns 42 in December, is set to play his 24th NBA season — but it won’t be with the Lakers. Money is reportedly not his primary concern; he’s focused on finding a title-contending team that fits his lifestyle.
Caitlin Clark speaks out as WNBA players face rising online threats
NEW YORK — Caitlin Clark is among the WNBA players speaking out against a surge of social media harassment directed at players and teams across the league. The rise in attention brought by Clark, Angel Reese, and others has come with both positives — including a multi-billion dollar media rights deal, million-dollar salaries, and bigger crowds — and a troubling increase in online threats. While online hatred toward WNBA players is not new and has persisted for more than a decade, players and coaches say the threats tied to on-court incidents have recently grown worse.
Colombia beats Ghana 1-0, punches ticket to Round of 16
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jhon Arias scored early for Colombia on Friday night, and Los Cafeteros held on for a 1-0 victory over Ghana to advance to the World Cup Round of 16. Arias converted off a cross from Luis Suárez, who had just entered the match as an injury substitute. Colombia controlled possession throughout, while Ghana had little success generating offense. The win sets up a Tuesday matchup with Switzerland in Vancouver, British Columbia. Conditions at Arrowhead Stadium were brutal — 88 degrees Fahrenheit with a heat index of 96 at the 8:30 p.m. local kickoff.
US forward Balogun says red card was too harsh in World Cup win
SEATTLE — United States forward Folarin Balogun is respectfully pushing back on the red card he received during the Americans’ 2-0 World Cup victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Balogun was ejected Wednesday after stepping on the ankle of Tarik Muharemovic, but he said before Friday’s practice at Husky Soccer Stadium that a yellow card would have been the fairer call. The suspension means he will miss Monday’s Round of 16 clash against Belgium automatically, though he would be eligible to return for the quarterfinals if the U.S. advances. Balogun described the past several days as an emotional roller coaster.
Shohei Ohtani unlikely to pitch in MLB All-Star Game
LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani is not expected to take the mound at the All-Star Game after the Los Angeles Dodgers shifted his pitching schedule. Ohtani had been working on a weekly Wednesday rotation, but the team moved his start to Friday to better manage his workload. Manager Dave Roberts said it would be difficult to envision Ohtani pitching on July 14 in Philadelphia, given that he is now slated to start July 10 against Arizona. Ohtani will still participate in the All-Star Game as the National League’s designated hitter starter, having led all players in the first round of fan voting.
