Picture Credit: Twitter
In the last 24 hours, Messi-led Argentina scored decisive goal in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers to lead to the side to a win against Ecuador. On the tennis courts, India's Rohan Bopanna moved to the finals of the men's doubles of the ongoing US Open alongside his partner Matthew Ebden. Speaking of the athletics world, India's star long jumper Murali Sreeshankar and Avinash Sable, both pulled out of the Diamond League finals.
Our today's sports wrap talks about all of it and a lot more. Read on to know:
Football
Match Recap
In the ongoing Euro 2024 Qualifiers, France defeated Ireland 2-0, with Netherlands taking down Greece 3-0. The other matches saw Poland getting the better of Faroe Islands 2-0 and Denmark defeating San Marino 4-0. Apart from them, Argentina won the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Ecuador, where the captain Lionel Messi scored the decisive goal to win the match 1-0.
After inviting a convicted paedophile to a game at Old Trafford last year, Manchester United was forced to issue an apology. Geoff Konopka, who oversaw United's women's squad from 1983 until 2001, had been imprisoned, but it seems like Man United was unaware of this.
Konopka received an invitation to United's Women's Super League match against Everton in March 2022 at Old Trafford, which was the first time the female squad competed there in front of spectators. There were more than 20,000 people present, including many families with young children.
Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq eyeing loan deal for Jadon Sancho from Man United: Reports
Al-Ettifaq is reportedly set to make a last-minute attempt to sign Jadon Sancho on a loan. After last weekend's 3-1 loss at Arsenal, Erik ten Hag publicly lashed out at the English winger's training attitude, which caused Sancho's relationship with the team to worsen. As a result, Sancho has been demoted to the Manchester United squad's periphery.
Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga, has claimed that it was a "sad ending" for Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona, following the Argentine's exit in 2021. Despite some speculation about a potential return to Barcelona during the summer transfer window, Messi ultimately joined Inter Miami, an MLS team owned by David Beckham.
Tebas said that he wished Messi could have stayed and finished his career in La Liga, as it would have been the best for him, for Barcelona, and for Spanish football.
IShowSpeed hits Ronaldo's SIUUU after smoking KSI in race
IShowSpeed, better known as Speed, a YouTube sensation, has trounced KSI in a running contest and celebrated like Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo. While preparing for the eagerly anticipated Sideman Charity Football match, the pair challenged one another to a running contest.
According to reports, the race happened on September 7 in London, where the two internet stars were supposedly preparing for the impending Sidemen Charity Football match. MrBeast, xQc, and JME will be among the notable participants in the match, which will take place on September 9, 2023.
Athletics
Murali Sreeshankar and Avinash Sable withdraw from Diamond League Finals
India's star long jumper Murali Sreeshankar decided to skip the Diamond League Finals 2023 and would focus on Asian Games 2023. Notably, the final leg of Diamond League is set to take place on September 16 and 17 in Eugene, Oregon.
Sreeshankar became the first Indian long jumper to qualify for the Diamond League final after he secured fifth place at the Zurich leg of the contest. 3000m Steeplechase national record holder, Avinash Sable also pulled out of the event.
Tennis
Rohan Bopanna becomes oldest Grand Slam finalist of Open Era
Indian tennis ace Rohan Bopanna became the oldest finalist of Grand Slam Open Era after he, alongside his partner Matthew Ebden sailed to the final of the tournament. The sixth seed pair took down French pair of Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut 7-6 (3), 6-2 in the semifinal of the US Open 2023. Bopanna, at the age of 43 years and six months, beat Daniel Nestor's record.
19-year-old Coco Gauff sails to US Open 2023 final
Teenage tennis star Coco Gauff cruised to the finale of the US Open 2023 finals after defeating Karolina Muchova 6-4, 7-5 on Thursday, September 7. In finale, she will lock horns with world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka who defeated Madison Keys 0-6 7-6 (7-1) 7-6 (10-5). The game between Gauff and Muchova saw a 45-minute delay as it was interrupted by environmental activists.
Badminton
Junior badminton players face visa issues ahead of BWF World Junior Championships
The Indian junior badminton stars who are set to participate in the forthcoming BWF World Junior Championships have been facing visa issues. Notably, the US Embassy has rejected to issue visa to the 24 members of the Indian contingent, led by the two-time U-19 All India ranking champion Ayush Shetty and Unnati Hooda.
The championships are scheduled to commence September 25 to October 8 in Spokane.
Chess
I think I can be a world champion someday: D Gukesh
India's chess prodigy D Gukesh, who recently overtook Vishwanathan Anand to become India's No. 1 chess player after 37 years said that he has trust in himself that he will be a world champion someday.
According to the Indian Express, Gukesh, who is participating in the Tata Steel Chess said, “If I didn’t think so, it would be quite bad. I surely have trust in myself. If I do all the right things, I surely can make it."
