The FIFA World Cup, now underway in North America, dominated sports coverage across continents.
In Argentina’s opening match against Algeria, Lionel Messi delivered a performance that silenced doubters, with Greek outlet Ethnos calling him “the Houdini of football in his final show” — a nod to what is widely expected to be his last World Cup.
Meanwhile, Harry Maguire provided comic relief. Left out of England’s squad, the defender traveled to New York anyway and was spotted selling World Cup stickers on the street, a moment that went viral on social media.
Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi endured a more difficult spotlight. Despite his team’s 1-0 victory over Scotland, Hakimi was loudly booed by fans every time he touched the ball, following reports of an upcoming rape trial. Morocco’s coach, Mohamed Ouambi, publicly defended the player, stating: “We are with him.”
