Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni dismissed speculation circulating online regarding Lionel Messi's speech in the locker room before Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, stating that he has no idea what people are talking about.
During an interview, Scaloni addressed rumors that emerged on social media following the release of footage from the team's locker room shortly before the match began. The video quickly gained popularity, with many praising the captain's calm leadership. However, some members of the public began hypothesizing about the meaning of Messi's phrase: 'let's forget everything.'
When asked if he had seen these online discussions, Scaloni reported that he had not, adding, 'I don't follow social media. I don't have social media accounts.' When the interviewer mentioned claims of unusual pressure on the Argentine players before the game, Scaloni categorically rejected the idea, noting, 'No. I have no idea.'
The interviewer then showed the viral locker room video and asked if Messi's speech related to anything specific. Scaloni again denied knowledge of the discussed topics, replying, 'I don't know what you are talking about.' After the interviewer quoted Messi's remark: 'Alright guys, let's forget everything. Let's play,' and asked, 'Forget what?', Scaloni responded, 'I don't know. I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.'
Speculation began after fans noticed a change in Argentina's mood before the final. Some social media users felt the team looked subdued compared to their usual pre-match energy, while others compared the players' facial expressions during the field appearance to what was seen in the locker room video. Several theories quickly arose: some suggested Messi might have told his teammates that this final would be his last match for Argentina, while others linked the team's state to disputes surrounding the Falklands banner displayed before the game. None of these claims were confirmed.
Despite the lack of evidence, theories continued to circulate after Argentina lost to Spain 1-0 in extra time, with some fans questioning the team's performance by trying to link it to the viral locker room video. Scaloni's recent statements echo the emotional message he conveyed immediately after Argentina's loss in the World Cup final to Spain, when he was visibly upset at the post-match press conference. Wiping away tears, the Argentine coach thanked the players for their efforts throughout the tournament, stating, 'I must eternally thank these guys for fighting until the very end.'
Scaloni emphasized that Spain deserved the victory, adding, 'The opponent was stronger. We must accept that. They played a great game.' Despite the disappointment, he urged fans to appreciate the team's achievements in reaching another World Cup final. He said, 'We must be great even in defeat. We must appreciate what this team achieved, because reaching another World Cup final is incredibly difficult,' before becoming too emotional to continue the press conference. Scaloni's comments represent the clearest public denial of the speculations, as the Argentine coach insists that he is unaware of internet rumors and does not know what Messi's remarks were supposedly referring to.
As part of implementing state decrees and decisions aimed at developing physical culture and sports, supporting the activities of sports clubs, and strengthening their material and technical base, numerous initiatives have been launched in various regions. These measures are designed to expand mass sports movement.
To attract young people to sports, discover talented athletes, and widely popularize a healthy lifestyle among the population, about twenty sports clubs were established in the regions during the first six months of this year. Mass armwrestling competitions are being held in mahallas, kindergartens, and recreation areas as part of the 'Dolzarb 90 Som' campaign.
A republican tournament in armwrestling and para-armwrestling was held in the 'Gul' mahalla of the Kuyichirchik district of Tashkent region within a citizens' meeting. This event served as both a serious test for the youth and a true sports festival for the residents.
According to the head of the Uzbekistan Armwrestling Federation, Kurbon Qonoshev, many competitions have been held that contribute to the popularization of armwrestling as a sport where arm strength is tested. This helps not only select talented youth but also spread a healthy lifestyle among people. During the 'Dolzarb 90 Som' events, thousands of young people and people with disabilities had the opportunity to engage in mass sports.
At the end of the competitions, which included experienced athletes, para-athletes, and amateurs from all regions of the country, the winners were awarded medals, diplomas, and commemorative gifts from the organizers. Among the awarded athletes were Lazizbek Avazbekov, Umid Zhaksiboyev, Abdulla Abdumuminov, Jengisbek Suyarov, Muhriddin Abdukholikov, and Asilbek Mirzakhmatov.
Hossein Heyriani was elected as the new president of the Iranian Figure Skating Federation following elections held at the federation's executive meeting on Wednesday.
Initially, four candidates were approved to participate in the presidential election: Maryam Bahshi, Hossein Heyriani, Sadegh Zohairi Nasab, and Mohammad Adam Khorasani. However, Zohairi Nasab and Adam Khorasani withdrew their candidacies before the vote, leaving Heyriani and Bahshi in competition.
After both contenders presented their programs to the assembly, the voting began. In the first round, Heyriani received 25 votes, while Bahshi garnered 24 votes out of 49 ballots cast, which necessitated a second round of elections.
Heyriani won the second round, receiving 26 votes against 23 for Bahshi, thereby securing the position of president of the Iranian Figure Skating Federation for a four-year term. This narrow victory marks the beginning of a new era for figure skating in Iran, as Heyriani takes charge of the federation ahead of the next Olympic cycle and major international competitions.
A chess tournament was held at the 'Tudakul' International Chess School, located in the Kiziltepa district of Navoi region, as part of the 'Youth Affairs Agency Cup'. The tournament covered the 'Challengers Open' and 'Challengers Women' categories.
At the opening of the event, it was emphasized that reforms aimed at comprehensive support for youth in the country, increasing their intellectual potential, and popularizing sports that develop mental abilities are ongoing. The competition, which consisted of nine rounds, gathered strong chess players from various regions of the republic.
Participants demonstrated a high level of skill, thorough preparation, and the ability for strategic thinking in every game. After intense and fair matches, the strongest participants were determined.
In the 'Challengers Open' category, the first place was won by Khadiyatullo Muhamedov from Tashkent city, second place was taken by Bilalkhoja Hasanov from Syrdarya region, and third place was achieved by Akbar Yoqubboev from Khorezm region.
As for the 'Challengers Women' category, the winner was Mohinur Habibullaeva from Tashkent region. Second place was taken by Oksana Slapoguzova from Surkhandarya region, and third place was received by Odina Olimova from Tashkent city.
Upon completion of the tournament, winners and prize-winners, as well as participants who showed the best results in various nominations, were awarded large monetary prizes, valuable gifts, and commemorative souvenirs from the organizers.
