Sports
“Unreal”: Bangladesh Explodes as Messi Shatters World Cup Record – VIDEO
“Unreal”: Bangladesh Explodes as Messi Shatters World Cup Record – VIDEO
- Tens of thousands storm university campuses and streets across Dhaka at 7 a.m. to celebrate Argentina’s 3-0 victory and Messi’s historic hat-trick, 17,000 kilometers from the stadium.
Bangladesh, a nation with a population of over 177 million and a deep, almost inexplicable love for Argentina, has once again demonstrated why it might just be the most passionate football country on Earth. As Lionel Messi scored a historic hat-trick against Algeria in the World Cup 2026 opening match, tens of thousands of fans poured into the streets and universities of Dhaka, celebrating as if Argentina was playing in their own backyard. The scenes, which quickly went viral across social media, showed a sea of sky-blue-and-white flags and Argentina jerseys flooding the capital. The epicenter of the celebration was the Daffodil International University (DIU) in Dhaka, where the student center organized a public viewing on a giant screen starting at 7:00 a.m. local time. Despite the early morning hour, the venue was packed with over 2,000 young fans who had stayed awake all night or woken up early to support the Albiceleste.
The atmosphere was electric. Every touch of the ball by the Argentine captain was met with cheers, but the real explosion came when Messi scored his hat-trick—the first of his World Cup career. The achievement also moved him level with Miroslav Klose as the all-time top scorer in World Cup history, a feat that sent the crowd into absolute delirium. “I had a feeling Messi would probably score once, but I never imagined he would produce a hat-trick in the very first game,” one fan recounted, capturing the collective astonishment of millions. Videos show that when the third goal went in, dozens of fans invaded the stage set up for the event, overwhelmed by emotion, waving Argentine flags and chanting “Messi, Messi!” The impact was so significant that a local television anchor came on air wearing an Argentina shirt, showing that the fever had even hit the newsrooms.
READ ALSO:
- “I Told the President” – Orji Kalu Reveals Private Advice to Tinubu on Insecurity
- “Childish and Hollow” – Presidency Fires Back at Obi Over Tinubu Resignation Demand
- Messi Breaks World Cup Goals Record as Argentina Captain Makes Football History
The connection between Bangladesh and Argentina is a unique cultural phenomenon that has puzzled and fascinated the football world for decades. According to estimates, over 70 million people in Bangladesh supported Argentina in the 2022 World Cup—more than the entire population of Argentina itself. This love affair is not merely about winning. It has deep historical roots tracing back to the 1986 World Cup. When Diego Maradona scored the “Hand of God” goal against England, many in Bangladesh—a former British colony that endured a brutal independence war in 1971—saw it as a symbolic victory for the underdog against a former colonial power. Maradona became “a hero for the weak to adore,” a sentiment that has been seamlessly transferred to Messi.
For the younger generation in Bangladesh, the man named Messi is the “GOAT” —a source of motivation and inspiration. One commentator noted that “at nearly 40, Messi continues to accept challenges… He inspires us, he encourages us.” This admiration translates into massive public displays of support, including the construction of a 10-meter-tall replica of an Argentina jersey, dubbed “The Symbol of Craziness,” hung between two buildings in Dhaka.
The joy was not confined to the university campus. Across Dhaka, thousands took to the streets in massive motorcycle processions. Honking horns, blaring trumpets, and the sound of firecrackers filled the air as fans celebrated deep into the night. The passion extended beyond Bangladesh into neighboring India and Pakistan, where similar mass gatherings and watch parties were organized, proving that the love for Messi and Argentina crosses all borders in South Asia.
Hundreds of fans in Bangladesh celebrated Messi breaking the all-time World Cup record, storming the streets on motorcycles. This passion is unreal 😳 pic.twitter.com/rXInf2alsO
— Cleverly 💐 (@Cleverlydey4u) June 22, 2026
“Unreal”: Bangladesh Explodes as Messi Shatters World Cup Record – VIDEO
Sports
BREAKING: Ronaldo Retires From International Football After 23 Years With Portugal
Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his remarkable 23-year career with the Portugal national team.
The 41-year-old forward announced his decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in a video message shared on his social media accounts, saying he was ready to hand over Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt to the next generation.
Ronaldo, who made his senior international debut in August 2003, leaves the national team as the highest-scoring player in men’s international football and its most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.
In his announcement, Ronaldo reflected on the privilege and responsibility of representing Portugal for more than two decades.
He said: “To the Portuguese people. The time has come to hang our national team’s number 7 shirt. I never felt that it belonged exclusively to me, but for 23 years I have had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it.”
He added that representing Portugal had given him some of the most memorable moments of his football career and that the country would always remain part of him.
A career filled with records and trophies
Ronaldo’s international career began in August 2003 when he made his debut for Portugal at the age of 18.
READ ALSO:
- Iran Unveils ‘We Will Kill Trump’ Billboard in Tehran Amid Rising Tensions With US
- Tinubu’s Re-election: Osun APC Leaders Reject Oyebamiji-Led Campaign Council
- Tragedy: Spanish Footballer Jesús de Miguel Dies at 30 After On-Field Collision
Over the next 23 years, he established himself as one of the most successful players in international football, setting records for appearances and goals.
His major achievements with Portugal include winning the 2016 UEFA European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles, in 2019 and 2025.
He also represented Portugal at six World Cups, from 2006 to 2026, becoming the first player to score at six different editions of the men’s tournament.
His 146 international goals and 234 appearances leave him at the top of the men’s international football records.
November matches expected to mark farewell
Ronaldo’s announcement comes after a difficult period with Portugal, including a disagreement with national team coach Jorge Jesus.
The Al-Nassr forward walked out of Portugal’s training camp in September following disagreements over his playing time and his exclusion from the starting line-up.
He subsequently apologised to his teammates and Portuguese supporters, while accepting a disciplinary punishment from the Portuguese Football Federation.
The federation handed him a 30-day suspension and a fine of €255 following the incident. The suspension was backdated to October 1.
Ronaldo is expected to bring his international career to a close after Portugal’s November international engagements, with the team scheduled to face Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17.
His departure will mark the end of an era for Portuguese football, as the country prepares to move forward without the player who has captained its national team and broken numerous international records.
Portugal will, however, continue to have the legacy of a footballer whose name has become synonymous with the country’s achievements on the international stage.
BREAKING: Ronaldo Retires From International Football After 23 Years With Portugal
Sports
Nigeria Flamingos Make History, Stun Brazil 3-1 to Reach U-17 Women’s World Cup Final
Nigeria Flamingos Make History, Stun Brazil 3-1 to Reach U-17 Women’s World Cup Final
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have made history by becoming the first African country to reach the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Brazil 3-1 in a thrilling semi-final encounter on Wednesday night.
Inspired by a brilliant brace from Awawu Bashiru and an early strike from Queen Joseph, the Nigerian girls produced an impressive performance to overcome their South American opponents and book a historic place in Saturday’s final in Morocco.
Joseph opened the scoring with a close-range finish from four yards to give Akeem Busari’s side an early advantage.
Bashiru then doubled Nigeria’s lead with a moment of brilliance, sending a lofted cross over the Brazilian goalkeeper and into the net in the 71st minute.
The forward completed her brace 10 minutes later, calmly firing home a well-placed effort at the near post to extend Nigeria’s advantage and send the Nigerian bench, supporters and officials into wild celebrations.
Brazil managed to pull one back through Greise Kelly in the 89th minute, but it was too little, too late as the Flamingos held on for a memorable victory.
The triumph represents Nigeria’s first-ever victory over Brazil at this level and marks a significant milestone for African women’s football, with the Flamingos becoming the first team from the continent to qualify for the tournament’s final.
Nigeria will now have the opportunity to surpass their previous best achievement of winning the bronze medal in 2022 as they prepare for a showdown with Japan, who defeated tournament favourites Korea DPR in the other semi-final.
The eagerly anticipated final is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, in Morocco, with the Flamingos aiming to crown their historic campaign with Nigeria’s first-ever U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
Sports
Tragedy: Spanish Footballer Jesús de Miguel Dies at 30 After On-Field Collision
Spanish footballer Jesús de Miguel has died at the age of 30 after suffering a cardiac arrest following a collision with an opposing goalkeeper during a league match involving his club, CD Tenerife.
The striker died on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at a hospital in Tenerife, Spain, a day after he collapsed during his team’s encounter against FC Andorra in the Spanish second division.
The incident occurred in the closing stages of Monday’s match at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium, with both teams level at 2-2.
De Miguel was chasing a long ball towards the middle of the pitch when FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono rushed out of his penalty area to intercept it. The goalkeeper collided with the forward, striking him in the chest with his knee.
De Miguel immediately fell to the ground, prompting players from both teams to call for urgent medical assistance. Owono was shown a straight red card following the collision.
Medical personnel rushed onto the pitch and administered emergency treatment to the injured footballer before he was transported to hospital by ambulance.
During the journey, De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest, but medical personnel reportedly managed to restore his pulse through emergency resuscitation.
READ ALSO:
- Tourist Killed, Three Injured as Two Helicopters Collide Near Mount Everest in Nepal
- 2027: ‘Oyebanji Seized Our Phones’ – Sowore Accuses Ekiti Gov of Withholding Recovered Devices
- Kogi: Troops Destroy Kidnappers’ Hideout, Recover 1,000 Rounds of Ammunition, Six Motorcycles
He was subsequently admitted to the intensive care unit of Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
CD Tenerife initially described his condition as stable despite the seriousness of his injuries. However, a subsequent medical update indicated that his neurological condition had deteriorated.
He died at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday.
Announcing his death, CD Tenerife expressed profound sorrow over the loss of the striker and extended condolences to his family, friends, teammates and supporters.
The club also appealed for respect for the privacy of his family during the difficult period.
The tragedy has prompted a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the footballer’s death, including possible involuntary manslaughter under Spanish law.
Authorities explained that such proceedings are routinely initiated when a death is considered non-natural. The investigation does not, in itself, establish criminal responsibility on the part of anyone involved in the collision.
Meanwhile, the incident has triggered an outpouring of condolences across the football community.
Spanish football giants, including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, expressed sympathy to Tenerife and De Miguel’s family.
FC Andorra also paid tribute to the deceased player, while the club’s president and former Barcelona defender, Gerard Piqué, expressed his condolences.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) postponed matches scheduled for Tuesday in the Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina as a mark of respect.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) also announced that matches across its competitions would observe a minute of silence in memory of the late footballer.
De Miguel joined Tenerife from Castellón ahead of the 2025–2026 season.
Born in Madrid in 1996, he built his career across several Spanish clubs, including Leganés B, Fuenlabrada, Unionistas de Salamanca and Castellón.
He scored 11 goals during the previous season and helped Castellón secure promotion to Spain’s second division.
His death has left teammates, supporters and members of the Spanish football community mourning the loss of a player whose career was cut short by the tragic incident.
Tragedy: Spanish Footballer Jesús de Miguel Dies at 30 After On-Field Collision
-
metro3 days agoBandits Demand Over ₦100m Ransom for 15 Abducted Islamiya Students in Niger
-
metro3 days agoFG’s N50,000 Relief: OPay Details Eligibility Check Process, Issues Strong Warning Against Scams
-
metro3 days agoTears In Ebonyi Community As Newlyweds, Groom’s Mother, Seven Others Perish In Crash
-
metro3 days ago‘I Went to My Pastor for Deliverance, Ended Up in Bed With Him’ – Lady Recounts Encounter
-
International3 days agoAustralia Under Pressure To Scrap $368bn US-UK Nuclear Submarine Deal As Inquiry Warns Of China War
-
News2 days agoOmoda and Jaecoo Race Past 1.4m Sales, Expand Push into AI, Electrification
-
Politics3 days agoDSS Denies Plot to Disrupt ADC Rally, Orders Probe into Atiku’s Allegations
-
International3 days agoAbdul El-Sayed Makes History, Defeats Republican Rival To Become First Muslim US Senator