Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended the opening ceremony of the reconstructed Hakob Kojoyan Educational Complex in Yerevan. The project was implemented within the framework of the government’s “300 Schools, 500 Kindergartens” program.

While preserving the historical and cultural appearance of the educational complex, three school buildings were reconstructed and a new building was constructed. The Armenian government allocated more than AMD 2 billion for the project.

The educational complex has been equipped with laboratories, computer equipment and other facilities that meet modern educational standards. To ensure the effective organization of the learning process in the vocational school, the institution has also been furnished with specialized equipment, including easels, art storage units, still-life tables and lamps, sculpture stands, design tables and other educational resources. The school is designed to accommodate 600 students.

Addressing those present, Prime Minister Pashinyan congratulated students, teachers and staff on the opening of the renovated complex. He recalled that the Civil Contract party’s election program includes a project to build 100 schools dedicated to arts and sports throughout Armenia.

The Prime Minister emphasized that each new school construction project introduces additional components aimed at improving educational infrastructure.

“It is important that we continue to develop school construction in Armenia. Construction itself has many layers, and school and kindergarten construction are special directions,” Pashinyan said.

He also highlighted the importance of playgrounds near schools and noted that the government would cooperate with municipal authorities on this issue. According to the Prime Minister, the improvement in quality achieved through the project is significant and represents a matter of principle.

Pashinyan referred to ongoing discussions about the aesthetics of what he described as the “Real Armenia,” stressing the need for thoughtful debate on how state policies and values are reflected in architecture, art and public spaces.

The Prime Minister also thanked teachers who have voluntarily undergone certification, underscoring the importance of improving education and promoting lifelong learning.

“There is no one who knows everything; therefore, everyone needs to learn something new. We must make this a way of life for all citizens of the Republic of Armenia because that is the key to the development of the state,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, Pashinyan expressed gratitude to all those who work, create value, pay taxes in accordance with the law, issue fiscal receipts and request them. He noted that projects such as the reconstruction of schools are made possible through work, tax revenues and the effective allocation of public funds.

The Prime Minister also thanked all participants involved in the implementation of the school construction program.

“At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably within the condition he is experiencing,” the statement said.

Messi was in tears after scoring his first goal in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening World Cup match earlier this week.

Argentina’s captain, 38, went on to complete a hat-trick, drawing level with Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time World Cup goalscoring list.

“Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football,” Messi said after the match.

“I went through some difficult days, but I’m grateful to the entire delegation and my team-mates because they were always by my side, giving me a lot of strength to help me get through it.”

The family addressed the speculation around Jorge Messi’s health following that opening game.

“In light of speculation that has circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity, respect, and discretion with which some people have treated what is strictly a private family matter.

“The family also wishes to clarify that only his closest relatives have real and accurate information regarding Jorge’s condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come directly from the family and its official channels should not be considered valid or truthful.”

The statement continued: “At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person’s health and the peace of mind of those around them should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest.

“We sincerely appreciate the expressions of affection, respect, and concern we have received, and we ask that Jorge’s privacy, confidentiality, and intimacy – as well as that of his entire family – be respected throughout this process.”

Argentina’s next group game is against Austria on Monday 22 June (18:00 BST), before their final group game against Jordan on Sunday 28 June (03:00 BST).

Mexico midfielder Luis Romo was in the right place at the right time to tap into an empty net after goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu spilled the ball following a collision with his team-mate Lee Gi-hyuk in the 50th minute.

South Korea’s best chance came in the 87th minute when Cho Gue-sung’s close-range header was saved by Raul Rangel and the Mexico keeper was able to keep out Yang Hyun-jun’s follow-up.

Earlier, captain Son Heung-min’s had chipped Rangel before his effort was cleared off the line by Edson Alvarez although the former Tottenham forward was flagged offside.

Backed by a boisterous home support who had booed their team at half-time following a toothless first half, Mexico almost added a second in the 75th minute but Raul Jimenez’s effort from a tight angle was saved.

Substitute Obed Vargas also forced Kim into a fine diving save late on with a driven strike.

The result continued Mexico’s 100% start at the World Cup and confirmed Javier Aguirre’s side will advance as Group A winners.

That means the co-hosts will be in Mexico City for both their last-32 and potential last-16 tie, where they could face England if Thomas Tuchel’s side win their group and first knockout match.

Despite their defeat, South Korea remain in a good position to also advance thanks to their opening-day win over Czech Republic.

They face South Africa next on Thursday (02:00 BST) in Monterrey. Mexico take on Czech Republic in their final group game at the same time Mexico City.

The FIDE World Rapid Team Championship, which opened on June 16 in Hong Kong, has brought together more than 40 teams and over 300 players from around the world, featuring elite grandmasters, top women players, rising stars and amateur participants competing side by side in a unique team format.

A video of the game between Sargsyan and Carlsen is available on the tournament’s official broadcast platform.

Hours after France’s Kylian Mbappe and Norway’s Erling Haaland had lit up the World Cup with two goals each, the stage was set.

But this was no supporting act, this was the main show. The Messi show.

His first World Cup hat-trick, a record-equalling 16th World Cup goal, and another reminder that despite his age, he isn’t going away.

Argentina beat Algeria 3-0, and Messi was at the centre of it all.

As the sun dipped behind the Kansas City skyline, the 38-year-old became the first player in history to feature at six World Cups – beating rival Cristiano Ronaldo by a day.

Twenty years ago to the day after his World Cup debut as an 18-year-old at Germany 2006, one of the game’s greatest superstars looked as sharp as ever in delivering another spectacular performance on his 200th appearance for his country.

Afterwards, he said: “To enjoy this with my family, with my team-mates, the ones who are always there, is a really beautiful moment.

“The squad, it’s a very united, very strong group. I feel good; we were lucky enough to win a tough match. It’s important to start off with a win in the first game.

“I’m grateful to the fans, because once again they’ve shown that Argentina is crazy about this – we packed the stadium again.

“Everything I’m experiencing now is a bonus. I’ve been fortunate enough to achieve all my dreams — or even more than I ever dreamed of achieving — both professionally and personally.”

Argentina ina head coach Lionel Scaloni, added: “I don’t have the words to describe Messi. For 20 years, he’s had us used to seeing things like this and he inspires everyone who watches him play.”

Co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, the competition will feature a record 48 teams and 104 matches played across 16 cities in North America between June 11 and July 19. (Reuters)

The opening match will see host nation Mexico face South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

The tournament marks a new era for the World Cup, which has expanded from 32 to 48 teams. Under the new format, 12 groups of four teams will compete in the first round, with the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout stage.

Defending champions Argentina arrive in North America seeking to retain the title they won in Qatar in 2022, while traditional powerhouses such as Brazil, France, Germany, Spain and England are among the favorites to lift the trophy.

The tournament is also expected to feature what could be the final World Cup appearances of football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both competing in their sixth World Cup finals.

Several nations, including Cape Verde, Jordan and Uzbekistan, will make their World Cup debuts, highlighting the expanded global reach of the competition.

Ahead of the opening match, Mexico City will host a ceremony celebrating Mexican and Latin American culture, marking the start of a month-long football festival expected to attract millions of fans from around the world.

The final is scheduled to take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, bringing down the curtain on the biggest World Cup ever staged.

In a statement released following a meeting of the FIDE Council, the governing body said it had reviewed the status of implementation of the CAS decision concerning the Russian federation and concluded that the necessary conditions outlined in the award remained unmet.

As a result, the Council voted to impose a temporary suspension of the federation’s membership with immediate effect, citing Article 26.10 of the FIDE Charter.

Despite the sanction, FIDE stressed that the decision applies solely to the member federation and does not affect the rights of individual chess players. The organization said measures will remain in place to allow eligible players to continue participating in international competitions under conditions established by FIDE and in line with recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

“The Council emphasizes that this decision concerns the Member Federation and does not constitute a restriction on the participation opportunities available to individual players,” the statement said.

FIDE also reiterated its commitment to good governance, compliance with decisions of competent judicial bodies, and the protection of the interests of the global chess community.

In accordance with Article 26.10 of the FIDE Charter, the Council decided to submit the issue of confirming the sanction to a vote at the next FIDE General Assembly.

The suspension takes effect immediately and will remain subject to further consideration by FIDE’s governing bodies.

Fans with the hottest ticket in town packed out the Andy Murray Arena on Tuesday evening to watch one of the greatest players of all time return to action.

Playing doubles alongside Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko, the 44-year-old American didn’t look a touch out of place as the pair won 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 to upset third seeds Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez.

“It was so fun,” Williams said in her post-match interview. “I had so much fun playing with Victoria. She was really able to hold up the team and play big on the big points. I could rely on her. We have never played together but it felt so natural.”

Asked why she came back, she added: “I had nothing better to do, I got tired of sitting at home. My kids are out of school for the summer, so why not?

“I never got to play here, it was always just the men. It feels really special to play somewhere so iconic.”

Mourinho, 63, signed a three-year deal last month to become head coach of Real, but his contract would only be valid if Perez retained his role.

The 79-year-old, who obtained 65% of the vote, has been in office since 2009 and announced the election during an extraordinary news conference last month.

“We have won the elections and will continue working to keep winning titles,” Perez said. “I am still here and I am here to defend Real Madrid.

“We will continue working so that Real Madrid keeps winning titles, and we will fight until the end to achieve the 16th European Cup.

“We will continue to take pride in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the best stadium in the world.

“Proud to have the best players in the world, proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho. And rest assured, with me as president, Real Madrid has been, is, and will always remain owned by its members.”

The game in Odense was stopped on 65 minutes when he collapsed and was abandoned shortly after, with the 34-year-old able to walk from the field after regaining consciousness.

The former Manchester United, Tottenham and Brentford midfielder was fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) – a type of pacemaker – after suffering a cardiac arrest during a Euro 2020 match against Finland in 2021.

“I spoke with Christian this morning, and he is doing well. He is with his family and in good spirits,” Boesen said.

“The expectation is that he will be discharged soon and can return home.”

The ICD allowed Eriksen to resume his playing career with Brentford in 2022 – eight months after his collapse at the Euros – before he spent three years with Manchester United.

On Sunday, Boesen said “the pacemaker responded as it should”.