Experts say rise in social media attacks on players such as Kylian Mbappé need to be viewed in wider political context * World Cup live – latest updates As players in the World Cup shore up their tactics and hone their teamwork skills ahead of the quarter-finals, a chorus of voices have warned that the rise of divisive political rhetoric is translating into an intensifying challenge for players on the pitch: a surge in racism. “There’s a huge issue,” said Samuel Okafor, the chief executive of Kick It Out, a UK-based organisation that seeks to tackle discrimination in football. “The political climate that we’re facing is clearly finding its way into football. And it’s making a huge difference in the levels of abuse we’re seeing – people are certainly being emboldened now more than ever.” Continue reading...

Lionel Messi had a first-half penalty saved and then scored a late equaliser as title holders Argentina came roaring back from a two-goal deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 at the Atlanta Stadium on Tuesday and continue their bid for back-to-back World Cup titles.