FIFA World Cup 2026: “Destiny”: 18 years after iconic photo, Messi-Ya…

New York [US], July 17 (ANI): Following a 2-1 victory over England, defending champions Argentina secured their place in the World Cup final against European champions Spain, setting up a generational matchup between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.

Although Saturday’s (local time) final in New Jersey marks the first time the 39-year-old Argentina veteran and the 19-year-old Spain winger playing against each other but it is not their first actual meeting.

Almost 18 years back, Messi shared a memorable moment with Spain star Yamal nearly before the pair emerged as potential rivals on the biggest stage of international football. truewildgame.online

Messi took part in a charity photoshoot organised by Catalan newspaper Diario Sport in 2008 while then playing for Barcelona. During the shoot at the club’s iconic Camp Nou stadium, the then-20-year-old Argentine posed with a baby Yamal, who was sitting in a small plastic bathtub alongside his mother, Sheila Ebana.

At the time, neither could have imagined that Yamal would grow into one of Spain’s brightest footballing talents, with the possibility of facing Messi in a FIFA World Cup final almost two decades later.

The iconic photoshoot was captured by freelance photographer Joan Monfort.

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, UNICEF shared the now-iconic photograph of Argentina captain Messi with a baby Yamal, highlighting the remarkable journey of the two football stars from a charity photoshoot nearly two decades ago to becoming global ambassadors for children.

In a post on X, UNICEF wrote, “Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real. More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mom Sheila met Lionel Messi at a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot."

UNICEF added that while both have gone on to inspire millions with their performances on the football field, they are also united by their work away from the sport.

“Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions. Off the pitch, both Messi and Lamine Yamal use their voices and platforms as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors to support and advocate for children around the world," the post read.

UNICEF added that its shared mission with the two footballers is to ensure “that every child survives, thrives, and fulfils their potential," concluding, “We are proud to have them on our team."

Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real.

More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mom Sheila met Lionel Messi at a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot.

Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions. Off the pitch, both Messi and Lamine Yamal use their voices… pic.twitter.com/TSoUPDxia2

— UNICEF (@UNICEF) July 16, 2026

Barcelona also reacted to the iconic image, sharing it on X with the caption, “Magical photo by the @FundacioFCB."

Magical photo by the @FundacioFCB

The story behind this photo https://t.co/Nzm1L6Ou3h

Joan Monfort (Diari Sport) pic.twitter.com/ukT4XgyNph

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 16, 2026

Following their respective semi-final victories, defending champions Argentina and European champions Spain are set to face off in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash between great Messi and teenage sensation Yamal.

Spain secured their place in the title clash with a 2-0 win over France, while Argentina produced a comeback to defeat England 2-1 after trailing 1-0, with a stoppage-time winner sealing their passage to the final.

Messi heads into the championship match at the top of the Golden Boot standings, edging France captain Kylian Mbappe after registering two assists in Argentina’s semi-final victory over England.

Yamal, who became the youngest player ever to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or at the age of 17, will now have the opportunity to face the Argentine legend for the first time as Spain aim to deny the defending champions and lift consecutive titles.

The final will also mark another remarkable chapter in the unique connection between the two players, who first met during a charity photoshoot when Yamal was an infant. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Garena Free Fire MAX players, get ready to upgrade your inventory! The developers have released a fresh batch of redeem codes for today, giving you another chance to unlock premium in-game rewards without spending real money. Check out the Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes Today July 17 below.

These 12-character alphanumeric codes can unlock exclusive items like weapon skins, character outfits, loot crates, emotes, and even free diamonds. However, they come with strict time limits and usage caps, so you need to act fast before they expire.

Active Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes Today July 17

Here is the latest list of active codes reported to be working today. Remember, these are highly time-sensitive and operate on a first-come, first-served basis:

• P3LX6V9TM2QH
• FFWCTKX2P5NQ
• TX4SC2VUNPKF
• RHTG9VOLTDWP
• N7QK5L3MRP9J
• J2QP8M1KVL6V
• E9QH6K4LNP7V
• S5PL7M2LRV8K
• Q8M4K7L2VR9J
• RD3TZK7WME65
• ZRW3J4N8VX56
• TFX9J3Z2RP64
• WD2ATK3ZEA55
• FFPLUFBVSLOT
• MCPW3D28VZD6
• ZZZ76NT3PDSH
• V427K98RUCHZ
• J3ZKQ57Z2P2P
• BR43FMAPYEZZ
• UPQ7X5NMJ64V
• S9QK2L6VP3MR
• FFR4G3HM5YJN
• 6KWMFJVMQQYG
• FZ5X1C7V9B2N
• FT4E9Y5U1I3O
• FP9O1I5U3Y2T
• FM6N1B8V3C4X
• FA3S7D5F1G9H
• FK3J9H5G1F7D
• FU1I5O3P7A9S
• F7F9A3B2K6G8
• FE2R8T6Y4U1I
• FF8HG3JK5L0P
• FF7TRD2SQA9F
• FF2VC3DENRF5
• FF6YH3BFD7VT
• B1RK7C5ZL8YT
• 4ST1ZTBZBRP9
• FFRSX4CYHLLQ
• FFSKTXVQF2NR

(Note: Some codes are region-specific. If a code shows an error, it may have already reached its redemption limit, expired, or might not be valid for your server.)

Also Read:

• Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes Today July 17: Check Steps to Claim Rewards
• Free Fire EWC 2026 Survival Stage Teams, Schedule, Format, and More
• Free Fire at EWC 2026 Grand Finals – Teams, Schedule, Format, and More
• Garena Introduces Free Fire MAX Transfer Window with Specific Rules

How to Claim Your Rewards

Redeeming these items is a straightforward process, but it must be done through Garena’s dedicated portal rather than the game app itself.

• Navigate to the official Garena Rewards Redemption Site.
• Log in using the platform linked to your Free Fire account (Facebook, Google, Apple ID, or X). Guest accounts are ineligible for rewards.
• Copy one of the 12 to 16-character codes from the list above and paste it into the text field.
• Click the “Confirm” button. A pop-up will notify you if the redemption was successful.
• Once verified, the items will be sent to your in-game mailbox within 24 hours.

Players should act quickly, as these codes typically have a short validity window of 12 to 18 hours. Additionally, many codes are region-locked, meaning they will only work for players on specific servers (such as India). If a code doesn’t work, it is likely because the server limit has been reached or the time has lapsed. Keep an eye out for daily updates to ensure you never miss out on these stylish upgrades!

The post Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes Today July 17: Check Steps to Claim Rewards appeared first on Inside Sport India.

Cardiff [UK], July 17 (ANI): India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak backed veteran opener Rohit Sharma despite his lean run with the bat in the ongoing ODI series against England, saying a player of his stature does not feel pressure even if runs have not come in the last two matches.

Speaking at the post-match press conference after India’s four-wicket defeat to England in the second ODI, Kotak expressed confidence that Rohit would soon return to form.

The batting coach added that Rohit’s quality and experience make him capable of bouncing back quickly despite the recent setbacks.

“See, I don’t feel like a player as big as Rohit can have any pressure. He’s too good a player to feel that. Yeah, in two matches runs haven’t come, I don’t think that makes any difference. But today also, it looked like he’ll probably get a good innings out, but that’s okay," Kotak said.

In the ongoing ODI series against England, Rohit has managed scores of 11 and 26 in the first two matches. Overall, the Indian captain has endured a difficult year with the bat, accumulating 241 runs in eight matches at an average of 30.12, with a highest score of 79.

Coming to the match, England bounced back to defeat India in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, levelling the three-match series 1-1.

Chasing 234, Joe Root anchored the innings with a match-winning unbeaten 99 off 133 balls and shared a crucial 72-run stand with Will Jacks (30) after England had slumped to 125/5. Gus Atkinson remained unbeaten on 23 as England reached the target with nearly six overs to spare.

India made an excellent start with the ball, with Jasprit Bumrah dismissing Ben Duckett off the first ball of the innings and Prasidh Krishna removing Jacob Bethell early. Debutant Gurnoor Brar claimed two wickets, while Bumrah, Krishna, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel picked up one wicket each.

Earlier, England’s pace attack restricted India to 233 in 44 overs despite half-centuries from Virat Kohli (65) and Shreyas Iyer (66).

Sharma scored 26 and Shubman Gill made 31, while Ishan Kishan, replacing the unwell KL Rahul, managed just one. Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson starred with three wickets each, while Saqib Mahmood claimed two. The series will now be decided in the third and final ODI at Lord’s on July 19. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Rohit Sharma Last Match Update: इंग्लैंड के खिलाफ वनडे सीरीज के दूसरे मुकाबले में टीम इंडिया का हार का सामना करना पड़ा। हालांकि हार से बड़ी खबर ये है कि रोहित शर्मा के रिटायरमेंट की चर्चा शुरू हो गई है। कार्डिफ में खेले गए सीरीज के दूसरे मुकाबले में रोहित शर्मा ने 47 गेंदों का सामना करते हुए सिर्फ 26 रन बनाए। इस मैच के बाद क्रिकेट जगत में ये चर्चा शुरू हो गई कि लॉर्ड्स में रोहित शर्मा आखिरी मैच खेल सकते हैं। रिपोर्ट्स के अनुसार लॉर्ड्स वनडे के बाद रोहित को वनडे टीम में नहीं चुना जाएगा।

Popular Indian gaming creator Kaashvi Hiranandani, widely known online as Kaash Plays, has sent shockwaves through the gaming and esports community. In an explosive exposé video titled “How I Got Scammed by 8bit Thug”, Kaashvi revealed how her former manager and close friend, Lokesh Jain (popularly known as 8Bit Thug), alongside 8Bit Creatives and S8UL, allegedly manipulated brand deals for years to siphon off her hard-earned money.

Kaashvi Files FIR Against 8Bit Thug and 8Bit Creatives

According to Kaashvi, her management hid the actual payment figures received from brands. They reportedly quoted lower amounts to her, took their agency cuts out of those lower figures, and kept the remaining massive difference for themselves. Furthermore, she alleged that a brand accidentally sent her deal payout to 8Bit Thug after their professional association ended. He allegedly spent the money and failed to return it despite multiple follow-ups over many months.

After months of attempting to resolve the situation amicably and receiving no responses to formal legal notices, Kaashvi took the legal route. She has officially filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Santacruz Police Station in Mumbai.

Official Statement from Kaashvi Hiranandani

Kaashvi shared an official text statement on Instagram Page regarding the ongoing legal case: “For a long time, I trusted the people who were managing my career. Over time, I discovered what I believe were serious financial frauds and breach of trust, which are serious penal offenses, involving my former management, 8Bit Thug from S8UL and 8Bit Creatives. After reviewing the records available to me and seeking legal advice, I approached the police and have now officially registered an FIR. The matter is currently under investigation, and I am cooperating fully with the authorities. I have complete faith in the legal process and will allow the investigation to take its course.

I would like to thank the Mumbai Police Commissioner, DCP Zone 9, the Senior PI, and the concerned Investigating Officer at Santacruz Police Station for taking prompt action in registering the FIR. As advised by my legal team, I cannot discuss the case further as the investigation is still ongoing and the final report is still awaited.

I’m speaking up because I don’t want another creator, especially someone just starting out, to blindly trust the people managing their career without understanding their finances, contracts, and payments. If sharing my experience prevents even one creator from going through what I did, it’ll be worth it.”

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No Official Response from 8Bit Creatives or 8Bit Thug

At the time of writing, there is no official statement from 8Bit Creatives or 8Bit Thug yet regarding the serious allegations or the registered FIR. The gaming organization and its co-founder have maintained silence across their official social media channels. We are awaiting a response or a formal statement from their side to present their perspective on the matter.

Kaashvi concluded her video by urging fellow artists, freelancers, and content creators to prioritize absolute transparency, ask for direct inclusion in brand emails, and closely manage their own financial records. The police investigation into the matter is currently underway.

The post Gaming Creator Kaashvi Files FIR Against 8Bit Thug and 8Bit Creatives Over Alleged Financial Fraud appeared first on Inside Sport India.