As Argentina gears up to defend their World Cup title, all attention turns to Lionel Messi-the unstoppable force powering the team’s strategy. His unparalleled leadership and breathtaking skill ignite the squad’s relentless pursuit of glory on the global stage

Puzzle enthusiasts welcoming the New Year can jump into the full solutions for Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, USA Today puzzles. This all-in-one guide helps you verify your answers and master every challenge with ease and confidence!

Discovering UK penny stocks, Yahoo Finance UK highlights ActiveOps as one of its top three picks. Celebrated for its remarkable growth potential, ActiveOps stands out as a shining star in the dynamic small-cap market-an ideal find for savvy investors seeking genuine value

Spain has unveiled an exciting new €60 monthly public transport pass, making travel more affordable and inviting everyone to jump on board. Inspired by successful programs in Germany, France, and Italy, this bold move is sparking a wave of sustainable urban mobility across Europe

Russia claims a Ukrainian drone strike in Kherson has tragically killed 24 people, reports Al Jazeera. This devastating attack intensifies the ongoing conflict, with both sides fiercely accusing each other of targeting civilians

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and his family joyfully greeted New Year well-wishers at the Imperial Palace, sharing heartfelt messages of hope and good health as the nation embraced 2024. This beloved tradition draws thousands annually, uniting everyone in a spirit of prayer and celebration for fresh beginnings.

The U.S. has decided to roll back its proposed tariffs on Italian pasta, Italy’s foreign ministry confirmed. This positive move eases trade tensions between the two countries, giving a much-needed boost to Italian exporters and bringing joy to consumers everywhere

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to embrace their New Year’s resolutions with unstoppable determination. In his inspiring address, he emphasized that unwavering commitment and resilience will be the key ingredients for achieving remarkable success in 2024

German police are ramping up their manhunt after a jaw-dropping $35 million bank heist, pulled off with the slick style of “Ocean’s Eleven.” This daring robbery dazzled with its meticulous planning and flawless execution, sending authorities into a high-stakes race against the clock to track down the masterminds

Guests at a luxury hotel in France have been waking up to disturbing bedbug bites, sparking concern and discomfort-yet management insists there’s no infestation. The New York Times takes an in-depth look at the growing issue of bedbugs infiltrating high-end hotels and the tangled struggle over accountability and openness

In his New Year’s address, Xi Jinping proudly highlighted China’s stunning breakthroughs in large language models and chipmaking-signaling a bold leap forward in technology aimed at turbocharging AI innovation and dramatically reducing reliance on foreign technology

Canada’s Olympic hockey roster for 2026 is finally locked in, but fans are buzzing over some jaw-dropping snubs. Bleacher Report breaks down the most surprising omissions and examines how these choices might shape Team Canada’s pursuit of gold

A 33-year-old base jumper met a tragic end when his gear failed during a thrilling leap off a Brazilian mountain. Rescue teams confirmed the heartbreaking accident, highlighting the extreme risks that come with pushing the limits of adventure sports

An Australian is among the injured in a tragic New Year’s Eve fire at a Swiss ski resort that claimed 40 lives. Rescue teams are working around the clock on-site, as authorities launch a full investigation to uncover what sparked the devastating blaze

Argentina’s Economy Minister Javier Milei is preparing for a landmark visit to the UK next year, aiming to ignite new financial partnerships and attract vibrant investment opportunities. This trip underscores the thrilling momentum driving closer economic ties between Argentina and the UK

At Zohran Mamdani’s swearing-in ceremony, art icon Rama Duwaji stole the spotlight with her signature chic style, seamlessly blending creativity and elegance. The event buzzed with vibrant political energy, perfectly fused with a touch of timeless artistic flair

A sudden cliff collapse on a UK beach sent visitors into a frantic scramble for safety. Dramatic footage captures massive rocks tumbling onto the shore, vividly showcasing the unstoppable force of coastal erosion. Fortunately, no injuries were reported

Spain has allowed Airbus to continue using Israeli technology, defying a widespread ban linked to the Gaza conflict. This decision has ignited intense debate over the enforcement of sanctions and highlights the complex tug-of-war between political pressures and industrial priorities

Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to avoid any new conflicts, highlighting that Moscow is open to peace-if Western nations engage with Russia in a spirit of respect and understanding, according to BBC reports

Brain Dead kicks off the New Year with an exclusive Japan-only capsule collection that electrifies bold streetwear with deep local cultural flair. This limited release highlights the brand’s growing presence in Asia’s dynamic fashion scene