New Delhi: India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal took a break from cricket to enjoy football, making a special appearance at a FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the United States—while wearing the jersey of Lionel Messi.
A football fan moment in New Jersey
Jaiswal visited the iconic MetLife Stadium (New York–New Jersey Stadium) to watch the FIFA World Cup clash between France and Sweden. The young cricketer shared glimpses of his experience on social media, captioning the outing simply as “Bucket list.”
Interestingly, despite attending a France match, Jaiswal sported a Messi jersey—highlighting his admiration for the Argentine legend.
France dominate Sweden to reach last 16
On the pitch, France delivered a commanding performance, defeating Sweden 3-0 to progress to the Round of 16. Kylian Mbappe starred with two goals, continuing his sensational World Cup run.
Midfielder Michael Olise played a key creative role, assisting both Mbappé and Bradley Barcola, as France dominated possession and chances throughout the match.
Mbappé closes in on Messi’s record
Mbappé’s brace brought him level with Messi in the Golden Boot race at the tournament, while also taking his overall World Cup tally to 18 goals—just one shy of Messi’s record of 19.
France captain Mbappé celebrated emotionally, dedicating his goal to coach Didier Deschamps, who recently returned after a personal bereavement.
What’s next for France?
France will now face Paraguay in the Round of 16, with expectations high for another deep run in the tournament. Under Deschamps, who is set to step down after the World Cup, the team continues to show dominance on the global stage.
Conclusion
While France shone on the field, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s off-field moment—watching a World Cup game in a Lionel Messi jersey—captured the spirit of global sport, where cricket stars can also be passionate football fans.