Lionel Messi and Argentina Beat Brazil in Copa América Final

Lionel Messi finally got a chance to lay his hands on an elusive silverware at the international level as Argentina beat arch-rivals Brazil 1-0 in the Copa America final at Maracana Stadium to win their first continental title since 1993. When the whistle blew to end the final, Messi, his relief palpable, dropped to his knees and was immediately surrounded by his teammates. Moments later, they were lifting him above their shoulders and tossing him in the air. However, what really stood out was a priceless moment that featured two of the greatest footballers of this generation – Messi and his Brazilian rival Neymar. When the two former FC Barcelona teammates came face-to-face at the centre of the Maracana Stadium after the contest, the duo were seen hugging each other and it was a matter of time before the video went viral.

Italian sport lives a special Sunday in London

Matteo Berrettini in the final at Wimbledon against Novak Djokovic. Roberto Mancini’s Italy at Wembley against England in the Euro 2020 final. In London, the Italian sport lives a special Sunday, with the hope of sculpting the date of 11 July 2021 in the history of tennis and Italian football. At Wimbledon, the 25-year-old from Rome, the first Italian tennis player to reach the final of the London Grand Slam, challenges the number One in the world, Serbian champion who is chasing the third title in a row and sixth overall on the London grass.

At 9 pm, the final act of Euro 2020 takes place as Italy face the hosts for the continental title: the dream of the new blue ‘magic nights’ against the ‘it’s coming home’ catchphrase of the Three Lions.

UEFA fine England, Hungary

UEFA has fined England’s Football Association €30,000 for incidents of fan unrest during Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Denmark, including the use of a laser pointer against goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and ‘disturbances’ during the national anthems and lighting fireworks. Hungary’s foreign minister called UEFA a “pitiful” organisation on Saturday for its decision to order Hungary to play their next two games behind closed doors due to their fans’ “Anti-LGBTIQ” banners. The national federation was also fined €100,000 and ordered to display a banner with the wording “Equal Game” during its upcoming matches without spectators in the stadium.

COVID-19 Delta variant puts brakes on return to normality

Eurasia Review reports nations across the globe hit new pandemic highs and reimposed COVID-19 restrictions as the highly contagious Delta variant forced governments to put the brakes on plans to return to normality. The highly transmissible Delta variant, first detected in India, is sweeping the globe as countries race to inoculate their populations to ward off fresh outbreaks and allow for economies and daily life to recover. The European Union said on Saturday it has delivered enough shots to cover 70% of the bloc’s population. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that by Sunday, some 500 million doses will have been distributed to all regions of Europe.

‘G20 countries back global tax reform’

Deutsche Welle quotes German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz saying members of the G20 have reached an agreement on a deal that would set a minimum tax rate for major companies. Hiscomments came amid talks between finance ministers from the world’s largest economies in Venice, Italy. While progress was made, a final agreement on the minimum tax rate is not expected until the G20 leaders’ summit in October.

Pope Francis is continuing normal recovery

Pope Francis is continuing a normal recovery from intestinal surgery, gradually resuming work, walking and eating with aides, the Vatican said on Saturday. The 84-year-old Pope, in hospital after undergoing a three-hour operation on Sunday to remove part of his colon, will deliver his traditional Sunday noon prayer and message from the tenth floor of the Gemelli hospital.