Conor McGregor quickly departed from T-Mobile Arena after his unfortunate appearance at UFC 329.

With a knee injury that left him limping and without shoes, McGregor exited amid cries for others to clear the way. His night ended in disarray after his first kick attempt against Max Holloway went awry, marking his return to the UFC since 2021 with deafening boos of displeasure.

McGregor also opted out of a post-fight interview with Paramount Plus.

Seconds into his showdown with Holloway, the 37-year-old McGregor advanced to the octagon’s center, aiming for a high kick with his left leg. However, the moment took an unexpected turn as he lost his footing and slid across the mat.

Attempting to regain his composure, McGregor tried the same kick again but ended up slipping once more.

That allowed Holloway to land punches, and the fight was called after just 69 seconds.

Holloway, in an interview after the fight, said that McGregor told him to fight even after the injury occurred, prompting Holloway to say, ‘You’re f—king crazy, bro.”

“When he went down the second time, I could just tell,” Holloway said. “His whole demeanor changed.”

Get ready to mark your calendars and fill your fridge—Argentina is set to battle England in the World Cup semifinals, a groundbreaking event for Lionel Messi.

It promises to be a historic night, highlighted by a striking fact from Messi’s illustrious career. Over 21 years, through six World Cups and 205 national caps, the 39-year-old Argentine superstar has never squared off against England.

Encounters between these two football giants are a rarity. The last recorded clash came in late 2005 during a friendly match in Geneva, but Messi wasn’t part of it due to a suspension. Just months earlier, he had famously been red-carded just 30 seconds into his debut against Hungary.

Two decades have passed, leading to another tense evening for the reigning champions as Messi finally secures a match against England. In a grueling quarterfinal against Switzerland, Argentina endured a tight squeeze. Lionel Scaloni’s team struggled for much of the match, needing extra time to overcome their opponents. Thanks to two forwards, neither of which was Messi, they advanced with a much-needed moment of brilliance.

Certainly, Messi played a pivotal role in setting up Alexis Mac Allister’s goal, but 18 minutes from the end, the contest remained finely balanced. Dan Ndoye managed to equalize for Switzerland, giving Murat Yakin’s squad the upper hand. Drama unfolded when Breel Embolo was controversially sent off for simulating a foul, a decision overturned by VAR due to mistaken identity. But that incident deserves its own story.

Down to 10 men, Switzerland clung on until the 112th minute, when Julian Alvarez curled a quite brilliant shot into the top corner. And then, in stoppage time, Lautaro Martinez slotted in a third to set up the latest chapter of one of soccer’s most storied battles.

So, barring disaster over the next four days, Messi will lead Argentina out for their sixth World Cup clash with England. The story of this rivalry stretches over 64 years, from the Chilean city of Rancagua to a $1.6billion dome in Atlanta, via Wembley, Mexico City, Saint-Etienne, Sapporo, one raised hand and one flick of David Beckham’s leg.

With victory over Mexico, England have already exorcised a few demons at the Azteca. Now, 40 years after they were haunted by the fist of Diego Maradona, they face the dancing feet of another Argentina No 10. All that remains to be seen? How much more Messi’s creaking body can take. The 39-year-old has now racked up 330 minutes over three knockout games. But only a fool would bet against him writing his own slice of this story.

Shortly before kickoff in Kansas City, in a brief pause from the adverts and announcements and the invitations to make more noise, the stadium cameraman zoomed in on one elderly woman in the stands.

She was decked out in Argentina colors and she was carrying a sign. It read: ‘I’ve lived through every World Cup.’

Simple arithmetic would suggest she is knocking on the door of a century and over the course of that extraordinary life, she won’t have seen many tournaments or title defenses quite like this. Or individual campaigns with numbers to rival these.

It took 10 minutes for Messi to register his 10th goal involvement of this World Cup, Mac Allister meeting his corner with a glancing header that flashed past Gregor Kobel and ratcheted up the noise another few notches.

It was a terrific header but, for Switzerland, it was a sickener – they had settled much the quicker, only to concede from Argentina’s first real venture forward. All of a sudden, Yakin’s side were tasked with coming from behind – that was uncharted territory for Switzerland at this World Cup.

And for 20 minutes of this second half, they banged on the Argentina door without any joy. Emiliano Martinez saved from Embolo’s header and then from Ndoye’s header and then from Granit Xhaka’s long-range shot. Each time, the goalkeeper responded by whipping up the crowd. But they eventually fell silent after Ndoye finished off a neat move by beating the goalkeeper from a tight angle.

For the first time all night, the noise was coming from the tiny pocket of Swiss fans behind Martinez’s goal. Then referee Joao Pinheiro booked Leandro Paredes for a tackle on Embolo and all hell broke loose: VAR asked Pinheiro to have another look.

Replays showed Embolo – who was already on a yellow card – had dived. That did not stop the Swiss bench from exploding in fury. Cue more allegations of favoritism toward the defending champions. And perhaps there are serious questions to be asked about whether this is what VAR is for. But let’s be clear: it was the right call. And so a blubbing Embolo had to be escorted down the tunnel by Swiss players and staff.

From there on out, they were clinging on for penalties. Mac Allister sent a late effort over and then, in stoppage time, Messi curled narrowly wide before Kobel parried away an acrobatic volley from Lisandro Martinez. 

Extra time was a little more than a siege and Switzerland – in their first World Cup quarterfinal since 1954 – held firm until Alvarez opened up his body and took aim for the far corner. By then, the Swiss had nothing left. But there was still time for Martinez to add a third and set up a mouthwatering semifinal.

FANS FACE MORE TORTURE 

Next week’s showdown in Atlanta promises to be an occasion to rival any other at this – or any – World Cup. It is a fixture teeming with history and storylines and scores to settle. And recent history suggests it could be a brutal watch.

For much of this World Cup, neither England nor Argentina have really clicked into gear. Time and again, they have been forced to dig themselves out of a hole. Time and again, they have relied on the genius of a few individuals. It has made for dramatic, chaotic journeys to the last four. And on Wednesday, something has to give. 

If France’s clash with Spain looks set to be a tactical tussle between two slick attacking units, England against Argentina could be another night of torture for fans of both teams.

EMBOLO LEAVES SWITZERLAND IN THE LURCH 

In the end, Breel Embolo ended this World Cup just as he began it – separated from his teammates and wondering what he had done wrong. Nearly six weeks have passed since the Switzerland striker was blocked from traveling to the US because of issues with his visa.

It turned out his ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) was no longer approved. Thankfully, it didn’t take long for Embolo to rejoin the rest of the squad and over the past month he has led the line for Yakin’s side – scoring two goals, creating two more and causing Argentina plenty of problems here, too.

But then the authorities took issue with Embolo once more. Switzerland had just equalized when the referee consulted his monitor and realized that Embolo had dived. It was brainless from the striker. No wonder the tears began to flow after his fate was sealed.

ARGENTINA INVADES THE MIDWEST 

They boarded flights before dawn on the West Coast of this vast country. They congregated in the lobbies of hotels around Kansas City. They wandered along the highways toward Arrowhead Stadium in the scorching midafternoon sun. And then they flicked their wrists and emptied their lungs all night.

This was an invasion of Argentineans and locals besotted by their No 10. Together, they made a deafening din throughout this quarterfinal. Save for a small pocket of red behind one goal, this entire stadium was painted blue and white. It was a remarkable sight.

The only snag? There was space for plenty more Argentineans. In the middle and upper tiers of Arrowhead Stadium, empty seats were everywhere. It was a crying shame and a dreadful look for FIFA who – of course – announced another full house regardless. Earlier in the week, on one resale site, the cheapest ticket for this game was $1,142.

LAS VEGAS — Conor McGregor’s ongoing struggle with injuries has resurfaced yet again.

There’s just no other way to put it.

In an attempt to land a head kick on Max Holloway, McGregor awkwardly planted his leg, setting the stage for trouble in the fight’s opening moments.

His knee faltered, seemingly dislocating multiple times, prompting the referee to halt the match due to medical concerns.

This incident stands out as one of the most anticlimactic finishes in UFC history, and the crowd made their disapproval known, showering McGregor with boos following the bout.

A source told The Post that the injury was not pre-existing and the plan all along was to come out with that jumping head kick in the fight.

McGregor had been practicing that kick for weeks, and even in the build-up to this week’s fight, he threw it multiple times successfully without issue.

Though McGregor came down awkwardly this time, he was forced into a brief grappling exchange with Holloway, who was happy to stand on top and ground-and-pound the Irishman.

Oddly enough, McGregor did not get back up when Holloway called him to his feet as the crowd held its breath, hoping it was not the same injury he suffered nearly five years ago to the day.

Eventually, McGregor stumbled to his feet, wincing in pain, unable to plant his right leg.

When his knee buckled one final time, McGregor threw his hands up helplessly, knowing that this wasn’t going to get any better.

Holloway even told referee Mike Beltran that his opponent was completely compromised.

Beltran waved the fight off, and McGregor quickly left the octagon and went to the back without speaking to UFC color commentator Joe Rogan.

“I would like to speak with him,” Rogan said as McGregor departed.

“Let’s give it up for Conor McGregor, guys,” Holloway said in the cage as boos erupted. “What an absolute animal. When we was in here, he kept trying to say I was trying to call our fight, and he kept asking to fight on.”

Holloway called for a rematch with McGregor and implored the fans to cheer for him as he walked off, but was serenaded by boos from angry fans who felt they were cheated out of a real fight.

“What can I say? I had him weak in the knees, I guess.”

It’s a tough pill to swallow for the UFC and McGregor, as his fighting career is certainly in jeopardy if not over altogether.

McGregor has one fight left on his UFC contract, and one would expect him to be out indefinitely if he indeed did tear significant ligaments in his knee.

He appeared livid as he walked off, with fans seemingly turning on him following the injury.

Never a dull moment with McGregor, who now stares another long recovery process in the face.

In a tragic incident at one of Canada’s largest Latin celebrations, two individuals lost their lives and four others were injured when a pair of gunmen began shooting.

Frightened festival-goers dashed for cover as authorities initiated an intense search for two male suspects on Saturday night.

This violent outbreak took place amidst the bustling Salsa on St. Clair festival in Toronto, turning an evening filled with live music, dance, and joy into an urgent crime investigation.

Chaos ensued as gunshots echoed, with attendees frantically fleeing from the area of the incident.

Eyewitnesses recounted dramatic scenes where some protected their children, sought refuge in eateries, and toppled patio furniture in their haste.

Toronto Police confirmed officers were called to reports of a shooting at 8.12pm near the intersection of St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue, where 13,000 people had gathered for the annual cultural event.

When officers arrived, they discovered six people suffering from gunshot wounds, two of whom were pronounced dead at the scene.

Four others were rushed for to hospital after suffering serious injuries.  

During a press conference just before 11pm, Toronto Deputy Police Chief Frank Berto did not identify any of the victims, nor did investigators release any information about the two wanted suspects as the search continued late into the night.

Authorities described the situation as an active shooter investigation and urged members of the public to stay far away from the area while officers secured the scene.

‘As you can imagine, the information is flowing very very quickly when something like this is unfolding. We have now established about three crime scenes and homicide investigators and gun and gang crime investigators are on the scene conducting what is a very complex investigation into what took place,’ Chief Berto said. 

‘The festival essentially has been moved back away from the scene and the investigation of this area will be cordoned off for some time while investigators go about their work.’

The shooting unfolded at one of Toronto’s best-known summer celebrations, which had closed a stretch of St. Clair Avenue West between Winona Drive and Christie Street for live entertainment, food vendors and cultural performances.

Ana Bettencourt was only one block from where the shooting happened and thought she could hear ‘muffled powerful fireworks.’

‘And then everyone started running, which obviously then I did the same. We just trampled over each other and were running and took one of the side streets,’ she told CTV.

When she heard a shooter was on the loose, she ducked for cover.  

‘That was equally scary. If anything, it was scarier for me then. Myself plus a number of people of course, we started trampling around and running. I went to another alleyway and then ducked under a car, just waiting until the commotion died down,’ she said.

‘All I wanted to do was to get out of that area and whatever cost.’

The area was suddenly flooded with police officers, paramedics and emergency responders as investigators worked to determine exactly what happened.

Another festival attendee, Jacy Lin, said everything happened extremely quickly. 

‘Everybody was just leaving,’ she said to CP24. ‘Everything happened so fast.’

The normally festive street was quickly sealed off as authorities searched for evidence and attempted to track down whoever was responsible for the deadly attack.

Police later said the scene had been secured. No information on a suspect or arrests was immediately released.

Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford released a statement following the shooting.

‘I am devastated by the senseless violence at the Salsa on St. Clair Festival that has claimed two lives and injured others. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone affected,’ Ford wrote on X. 

‘Thank you to Toronto Police and our first responders for responding to this horrific incident. The person responsible must be caught, brought to justice and spend the rest of their life behind bars.’ 

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney also shared statement following the bloodbath.

‘I am horrified by the shooting that has killed two people at the Salsa on St. Clair Festival in Toronto,’ he said.

‘My prayers are with the families grieving their loved ones, those who are in critical condition, and everyone who has been affected by this horrific event. 

‘My thanks to the police officers and other first responders whose courage and fast action prevented further tragedy. 

‘Police have my full support as they work to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Salsa on St. Clair is a celebration of Latin culture which returned for its 22nd iteration this year.

The two-day festival transforms St Clair Ave West in Midtown Toronto’s Hillcrest Village and features, music, dance and food. 

The busy area is lined with stores and restaurants and the festival draws thousands each year. 

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (WLS) — An individual sustained injuries from gunfire, leading to the abrupt closure of a car culture event in the northern suburbs on Saturday evening, as reported by officials.

According to Waukegan 4th Ward Alderman Victor Felix and confirmed by local police, the incident occurred at the site of Scoop Waukegan, where authorities were dispatched following the shooting.

Amid this beloved street celebration intended for car lovers, known as Scoop Waukegan in downtown, gunfire disrupted the peaceful atmosphere abruptly.

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In the heart of downtown, police cordoned off the area with crime tape after shots were fired near the busy intersection of Genesee and Washington streets, describing the event as an isolated incident.

Witnesses relayed to ABC7 the panic that ensued, with adults and children scrambling for safety during the unsettling moments.

The event, in its second and final day, was closed early due to the shooting. In a social media post, Ald. Felix said a person was shot and was receiving medical attention.

“Due to the heavy law enforcement presence already stationed at the festival, the scene was contained immediately by on-site first responders who secured the area, provided medical attention, and ensured the safety of festival attendees,” an update from police read in part.

Police haven’t given a motive behind the shooting. or said if anyone has been arrested

Scoop Waukegan event organizers shared the following statement:
“What a weekend!

“While today’s event ended a little earlier than planned, we’re incredibly grateful for the amazing turnout and support all weekend long.

“You showed up and showed out, making this one of the biggest Scoops to date. Downtown was packed with incredible cars, passionate enthusiasts, and an energy that made this year’s event one to remember.

“If you were planning to head downtown, please hold off on making the trip. Vehicles will not be permitted into the festival area as we conclude this year’s event. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

“Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, and helped make Scoop such a success. We can’t wait to see you all again next year!”