Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar watched the final of FIFA World Cup 2026 in Bengaluru. On this occasion he said that he is forming ‘Team Karnataka’. This match was played between Argentina and Spain, in the first half of which Argentine defender Lisandro Martínez got injured.
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [भारत]July 20 (ANI): Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar attended the public screening of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final match between Argentina and Spain held at the NGV Indoor Stadium (National Games Village, Koramangala). Congress MLA NA Haris is also present at the venue to watch the match with football lovers.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Shivakumar said that sports helps in building team spirit. He further said that he is working to build “Team Karnataka”. The CM said, “When you are attracted towards sports, you have a sporting spirit. I am also forming Team Karnataka. It includes my officers, cadre, ministers and all my colleagues…”
Argentina got a shock in the final match
Meanwhile, Argentina suffered a major defensive blow in the first half of the FIFA World Cup final against Spain when centre-back Lisandro Martínez was forced off the field with a thigh injury. This incident happened on Sunday (local time). The Manchester United defender, who has been a mainstay of Lionel Scaloni’s defense throughout the tournament, pointed to his thigh before leaving the field in the 44th minute and then covered his face with his shirt. According to ESPN, he was replaced by 38-year-old veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi.
Martínez entered the final as Argentina’s leader with 34 clearances and was second with 63 defensive interventions during the tournament. Before his exit, he was tied with Gonzalo Montiel with five defensive interceptions in the finals.
According to ESPN, Otamendi, who played in Argentina’s victorious 2022 World Cup final against France, was called up to strengthen the defence. The match remained goalless at halftime at MetLife Stadium. During the break, Scaloni made another change, fielding Leandro Paredes in place of Nico Gonzalez, who was making his first start of the tournament.
Messi made a new record
Earlier, Lionel Messi also became the oldest outfield player to start a FIFA World Cup final at the age of 39 years and 25 days, adding another record to his illustrious career. (ANI)
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