Lionel Messi’s India visit began in Kolkata on Friday, where the Argentine legend met Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in a crossover moment that lit up social media and thrilled fans across fandoms.

Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar is reportedly set to retire from professional football after doctors discovered a heart-related issue following a collapse during training with Brazilian club Sao Paulo, according to multiple media reports.

Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata in the early hours of Saturday for a three-day tour, and the excitement surrounding the Argentina legend’s arrival led some fans to take extraordinary measures, including booking rooms at his hotel in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Argentine superstar, according to Indian media reports.

FIFA received five million requests for World Cup 2026 tickets in the first 24 hours of the latest sales phase, soccer's world governing body said on Friday, despite an outcry from fan groups this week about high prices for the tournament.

Argentine football icon Lionel Messi received a thunderous welcome on his arrival in Kolkata in the early hours of Saturday, marking the start of his three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour 2025, according to Indian media reports.

Mohamed Salah has been included in Liverpool's squad for their Premier League match at home to Brighton on Saturday, according to several British media reports

Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi said Friday he believes English striker Mason Greenwood, who has already scored 13 goals this season, has "Ballon d'Or potential".

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick downplayed his team's LaLiga lead on Friday, saying their four-point cushion over stuttering Real Madrid means little and the real test will be staying focused as the season unfolds.

Rakib Hossain and Dorielton Gomes scored a goal each as Bashundhara Kings consolidated their lead in the Bangladesh Football League with a 2-0 win over defending champions Mohammedan at the Kings Arena on Friday.

Mikel Arteta said Friday that Gabriel Jesus has the qualities to be Arsenal's first-choice striker following the return of the Brazil international after 11 months on the sidelines.

Cole Palmer and Wesley Fofana are available for Chelsea's home Premier League clash with Everton on Saturday, but Liam Delap faces two to four weeks on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury, manager Enzo Maresca told reporters.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot said he would speak to Mohamed Salah on Friday morning before deciding on the forward's availability for this weekend's match against Brighton.

Alonso, whom Spanish media reported was set for the sack if Madrid lost against Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday, remains at the helm despite a 2-1 defeat at a frustrated, whistling Bernabeu.

The 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami superstar will unveil the monument virtually rather than in person for security reasons.

In a statement on Thursday, the European fan umbrella group said prices for tickets allocated to Participating Member Associations (PMAs) – typically distributed via official supporters' clubs or loyalty schemes – had reached "astronomical" levels.

Igor Jesus slotted through a crowd two minutes from time to clinch a first away victory in Europe for Forest since 1995.

For the popular Black and Whites, the match is more than just three points -- it is an opportunity to turn the tables on the dominant Kings and close the six-point gap separating them from the summit.

Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada said the latest financial results released on Thursday show "strong progress in our transformation of the club".

Within South Asia, Bangladesh remain third behind India and Nepal.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said he feels backed by his squad to stay at the helm despite a 2-1 Champions League defeat by Manchester City on Wednesday.