Marco Bianchi 
Belgian player Elise Mertens upset world No.4 Coco Gauff with a straight‑sets win (6‑3, 6‑3) in the fourth round of the China Open in Beijing. The victory marked Mertens’ first career win over Gauff and sent her into the quarter‑finals where she will face Iga Swiatek.
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football after the 2026 World Cup. The article provides a video that showcases every World Cup goal he scored for Argentina throughout his career.
Kristian Shevchenko, 19, has joined non‑league side Sholing FC on a permanent contract after spells in the academies of Chelsea, Tottenham and Watford. Manager Paul Doswell said the signing reflects the club’s new strategy of giving released academy players a chance to develop in non‑league football and potentially move back into the professional ranks.
Cardiff City defender Krystian Bielik received a two‑match ban and a £10,000 fine from the FA after admitting misconduct in an altercation with a Portsmouth fan during the club’s 2‑0 Championship loss at Fratton Park. The incident saw Bielik and other players involved, with head coaches Brian Barry‑Murphy and John Mousinho commenting on the events. Bielik will miss the upcoming fixtures against Blackburn Rovers and Watford.
UEFA is investigating a spitting allegation that arose at half‑time of the 1‑1 draw between Republic of Ireland and Israel in the Nations League. Irish head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson confirmed the accusation, while Israel coach Ran Ben‑Shimon said he saw nothing. The incident follows broader political tensions surrounding the fixtures.
South African side the Toyota Cheetahs will play their European Challenge Cup home fixtures at the newly redeveloped St Helen’s stadium in Swansea, Wales. The arrangement follows a tradition of using European venues and highlights the growing partnership between the Cheetahs and Welsh club Ospreys.
India’s women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur announced she is resigning from the role across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, saying she wants to play for the love of the game. The decision follows a meeting with vice‑captain Smriti Mandhana, head coach Amol Muzumdar and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, with Mandhana expected to assume the captaincy ahead of upcoming series against Zimbabwe.
South Korea captain Lee Gi-hyuk apologised after celebrating his Asian Games gold medal by announcing he would not have to serve in the military. The apology came after his team defeated Japan 1-0 in the final, and he expressed regret for his remarks toward fans serving their duty.
Italian ATP player Lorenzo Sonego, a former Australian Open quarter‑finalist, was beaten in the first round of Shanghai Masters qualifying by world No. 430 Aziz Dougaz, 7‑6(5), 5‑7, 6‑4. The loss adds to a poor season for Sonego, who is now ranked No. 87 and faces the risk of dropping out of the top 100 for the first time in seven years.
Finnish Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas chose an unconventional 350km bike ride from Malaysia to Singapore ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, traveling with his partner Tiffany Cromwell. The journey, part off‑road and gravel, highlights Bottas’ growing passion for cycling alongside his F1 commitments.