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☆ Brazil and Argentina both lose World Cup qualifiers
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Brazil and Argentina both suffered defeats in their qualifying matches ahead of the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday. For the Seleção, the 1-0 defeat against Paraguay was particularly concerning as it marked the team’s fourth defeat in the past five qualifiers. The result leaves the five-time World Cup winner fifth in the standings with the top six sides automatically earning a spot in the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. It was otherwise a lackluster showing from Brazil, which enjoyed 71% of possession but produced only three shots on target. Argentina has six wins from its eight World Cup qualifying games and sits two points ahead of Colombia, still unbeaten with four wins and four draws, in the standings.

Persons: Diego Gómez, Gómez’s, Guilherme Arana’s, Júnior Alonso, Vinícius Jr, Gatito Fernández, Jorge Saenz, Dorival Júnior, “, Marquinhos, ” Albiceleste, James Rodríguez, Mosquera’s, Rodríguez, Ricardo Mazalan, González, Nicolás, Lionel Messi, Lionel Scaloni Organizations: CNN —, US, Copa, Ecuador, TV Globo, Reuters, Colombia, Argentina, Copa América Locations: CNN — Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Canada, Mexico, Asunción, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia Argentina, Barranquilla, Colombia

☆ Julián Álvarez seals Atlético Madrid move from Manchester City in reported $104m deal
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-13 | by ( Ben Morse | Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Julián Álvarez has signed for Atlético Madrid from Manchester City in reported deal worth approximately $104 million, the Spanish club announced on Monday. According to British media, Atleti will pay an initial $82m (£64m) for Álvarez, with a further $22m (£17m) in potential add-ons. CNN has reached out to City and Atlético to confirm the reported transfer fee. “New challenges, with the same people as always,” Álvarez posted on Instagram after sealing his move to the Spanish capital. Álvarez initially signed for City in 2022 having impressed with River Plate back in Argentina.

Persons: Julián Álvarez, Atleti, Atlético, ” Álvarez, Álvarez, ”, Stephen Nadler, Diego Simeone, Alexander Sørloth Organizations: CNN, Atlético Madrid, Manchester City, City, Citizens, “ Manchester City, Copa América, Olympic, Atlético, Villarreal, La Liga, Champions League, Liga Locations: Spanish, Argentine, City, Álvarez, Argentina, “ Manchester, Norwegian

☆ Copa América final 2024: Can Colombia continue historic unbeaten run and upset Argentina?
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-14 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Sunday’s Copa América final will likely be the last time Lionel Messi plays for Argentina at a major international tournament. As was the case in the 2021 Copa América win, which ended an 18-year trophy drought for the national team, this run has felt like a real team effort. “It’s a national team with really good players, is very intense and has fast and dynamic players up front. Buda Mendes/Getty ImagesFor Colombia, the resurgence of James Rodríguez has proven to be crucial not only throughout the unbeaten run, but in particular during this Copa América. Colombia, remarkably, last reached the final in 2001 and the trophy from that year remains the only Copa América title in the country’s history.

Persons: CNN —, Lionel Messi, Messi, ”, hasn’t, – Messi, Ángel Di María, “, Colombia hasn’t, ” Messi, Fox Argentina, It’s, it’s, we’ve, James, Colombia James Rodriguez, Buda Mendes, James Rodríguez, Néstor Lorenzo, Rodríguez, América –, –, “ I’ve, ” Rodríguez, TyC, Rodríguez – Organizations: CNN, Copa América, Argentina, La, Canada, Uruguay, Fox, Optus Sports, América, Argentine, Real Madrid, TyC Sports, Panama, Los Locations: Colombia, Buda, Real, Blancos, Brazil, Americas

☆ Lionel Messi inspires Argentina to second consecutive Copa América final
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-10 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Lionel Messi helped guide Argentina to this year’s Copa América final after scoring in his nation’s 2-0 win against Canada in the semifinals on Tuesday. It means Argentina has now reached the Copa América final in six of the previous eight tournaments, with this being its second in row – the South American side won the 2021 title. It is not easy to be in a final again, to compete again to be champions,” Messi told TyC Sports after the match, per Reuters. Messi, possibly playing at his final Copa América for Argentina, then started finding his stride and went close twice before the end of the first half. Canada is now the 38th team that Lionel Messi has scored against while playing for his country, per Opta.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, “, ” Messi, TyC, Jesse Marsch, Jacob Shaffelburg, Álvarez, Sarah Stier, Ballon d’Or, Enzo Fernández’s, Maxime Crépeau, it’s, ” Marsch, we’ve Organizations: CNN, Copa América, Canada, American, TyC Sports, Reuters, Messi, Inter Miami Locations: Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Sunday’s, Miami Gardens , Florida, Canada, Sunday's, Mexico

☆ Canada survives penalty shootout against Venezuela to make surprise Copa América semifinals
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-06 | by ( Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Canada continued its surprising debut run at the Copa América, defeating Venezuela 4-3 in a penalty shootout to make the semifinals of the competition for the first time ever. As the teams stepped up to take their spot-kicks, the shootout ended 3-3 after five attempts each. “This is amazing to be in the semifinals of Copa América. Venezuela forward Salomón Rondón scored a wondergoal to equalize. Despite Canada’s best efforts to earn the winner in regulation – the Copa América features no extra-time with shootouts after 90 minutes until the final – the match ended with dreaded penalties and a deflated Venezuela.

Persons: Wilker Ángel, Maxime Crépeau, Ismaël Koné, ” Crépeau, Canada’s, “, ” Jacob Shaffelburg, Jonathan David, Yordan Osorio, Jesse Marsch, Shaffelburg, Tajon Buchanan, Salomón Rondón, Juan Mabromata, Alphonso Davies, David, Richie Laryea, Jon Aramburu, Crépeau, Lionel Messi, La Albiceleste Organizations: CNN — Canada, Copa América, Canucks, Canada’s TSN, Canadians, Getty, Lille, Copa, Argentina Locations: Venezuela, Canada, AFP, New Jersey

☆ Lionel Messi misses penalty but Argentina still reaches Copa América semifinals
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-05 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Goalkeeper Emi Martínez was the hero for Argentina as La Albiceleste reached the Copa América semifinals with a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Ecuador following a 1-1 draw. Argentina led for most of the match in Houston, Texas, after Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez headed home from a corner on 35 minutes. Martínez, who has developed a reputation as a penalty shootout specialist, performed his trademark dance after brilliantly keeping out Minda’s spot kick. The Aston Villa goalkeeper has faced 24 penalties for Argentina and has conceded just 12 of them, including nine saves, per the BBC. Lionel Messi missed his penalty in the shootout.

Persons: Emi Martínez, Albiceleste, Lisandro Martínez, Kevin Rodríguez, John Yeboah’s, Jordy Caicedo, Lionel Messi, Martínez, Ecuador’s, Ángel Mena, Alan Minda, Charly Triballeau, ” Martínez, ” Organizations: CNN, Copa América, Argentina, Manchester United, Tri, Ángel, Aston Villa, BBC, Getty, Argentina Football Association Locations: Argentina, Ecuador, Houston , Texas, Venezuela, Canada, AFP

☆ Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina defeats Canada in opening game of Copa América
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-21 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Argentina began its defense of the Copa América title with a 2-0 victory against Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday. Lionel Messi broke an appearance record which had stood for over 70 years by playing in his 35th Copa América match, and was at the heart of Argentina’s goals from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. Canada, appearing in this expanded edition of the Copa América for the first time, was a heavy underdog against the 15-time champion but did squander several promising opportunities to get on the scoresheet. Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty ImagesArgentina is now on a nine-match unbeaten run in the Copa América, having won the 2021 tournament as well as its third-place playoff against Chile in 2019. Victory in this year’s competition would be Argentina’s third-straight trophy in major tournaments having won the World Cup in 2022.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Julián, Ángel Di María, Alexis Mac Allister, Maxime Crépeau, Canada’s, Stephen Eustáquio, Emi Martínez, Alphonso Davies, Messi, Mac, couldn’t, Crépeau, Derek Cornelius ’, Jonathan David, Charly Triballeau Organizations: CNN — Argentina, Copa, Canada, Mercedes, Benz, Liverpool, Crépeau, Argentina, Getty, Copa América, Chile Locations: Atlanta, Canada, Argentina, AFP, Peru

☆ Copa América 2024: Lionel Messi’s final ‘Last Dance’ with Argentina?
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —For just the second time in the tournament’s 108-year history, the Copa América will be played outside of South America. “Today, all I think about is to get well to the Copa América and play it. The squad for the 2024 Copa América is largely inexperienced, with 15 players on less than 10 caps for their country. UruguayPerennial overachiever Uruguay once again goes into a Copa América among the favorites to win the title. The nation of just 3.5 million people holds the joint record alongside Argentina for most Copa América titles won with 15.

Persons: Lionel Messi’s, Messi, ”, ” Messi, Ángel Di María, Catherine Ivill, Lionel Scaloni, “, he’s, ” Scaloni, Leo, Di María, West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá, Neymar, Brazil’s, Vinícius, –, Fernando Diniz, Dorival Júnior, Vinícius Jr, Marcelo Bielsa, Argentina –, Ander Gillenea, Luis Suárez, Giménez, Ronald Araújo, Federico Valverde, Matt Turner, Tim Weah, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Folarin Balogun, Ron Jenkins, Gregg Berhalter’s, ’, Juan Antonio Pizzi, Ricardo Gareca, Marcelo Hernandez, Alexis Sánchez, Claudio Bravo, Arturo Vidal, Gary Medel, Cafeteros, Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno, Luis Díaz, James Rodriguez, David Ospina, Yerry Mina Organizations: CNN, Copa, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF Nations League, Nations League, América, Brazil, Messi, Argentine, Star, “, Copa América, ”, Beijing, Getty, England, USA, Real, La Liga, League, overachiever, Argentina, CONCACAF, US, Panama, Uruguay, Copa Américas, Roja, La Roja, Qatar Locations: South America, United States, US, Mexico, Canada, Jamaica, Panama, Costa Rica, Lionel Messi’s Argentina, Qatar, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Spain, Real Madrid, Uruguay, overachiever Uruguay, AFP, Colombia, Washington, Bolivia, Russia, Peru, Paraguay, Albania, France, Marseille, Colombia Colombia

☆ Copa America 2024 predictions: Who will win it all, how far will the U.S. go? Our writers’ picks
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( The Athletic Soccer Staff | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +15 min

Click here to follow Copa America on The Athletic and get relevant stories in your personalized feed. AdvertisementMelanie Anzidei: Winning a second Copa America in a row would solidify Argentina’s place as one of football’s greatest teams. With both nations tied on a record 15 Copa America titles each, I’ve got my fingers crossed for a meeting in the final. Cardenas: Luis Diaz scored four goals at the 2021 Copa America, leading Colombia to the semifinals. GO DEEPER The Radar – The Athletic’s Copa America 2024 scouting guideTell us one thing you really want to see happen…Cardenas: The Copa America is such an important tournament for South American countries.

Persons: Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi, Will Vinicius Junior, Paul Tenorio, I’m, Felipe Cardenas, Messi, Carl De Souza, Jeff Rueter, Melanie Anzidei, Joshua Kloke, Brazil —, Thom Harris, Marcelo Bielsa, I’ve, Tenorio, Lionel Messi Cardenas, Lionel Messi Rueter, Lautaro Martinez Anzidei, Julian Alvarez Kloke, Luis Diaz Harris, Darwin Nunez, Cardenas, Luis Diaz, Diaz, It’s Messi, Vinicius, Gustavo Pagano, Vinicius Jr’s, Harris, … James Rodriguez, Nestor Lorenzo, James Rodriguez, Josh, Jeremy Reper, Enzo Fernandez ’, Yaser, Colombian Phil Foden, Paul, I, Piero Hincapie, Bayer, That’s, Hincapie, Dario Osorio, Alexis Sanchez’s, He’s, Osorio, Santiago Gimenez, Jonathan David, Europe’s, Snagging, … Cardenas, Leon Bailey, Michael Miller, Osorio dazzles, holdovers, Eduardo Vargas, Peru’s Paulo Guerrero, Vargas, Ricardo Gareca’s Organizations: Copa America, The Athletic, Reigning, Argentina, Messi, Saudi, AFP, Getty, Brazil, Guatemala, Inter Milan, C, Uruguay, Group, Colombia, Tenorio, Watford, Bayer Leverkusen, Bundesliga, Premier League, The, Midtjylland, Feyenoord, Canada, Copa, South, U.S, Reggae, MetLife, United, London, Paraguay, Red Bull Arena Locations: United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, U.S, Saudi Arabia, Miami, —, Uruguay, Mexico, Colombia, The U.S, Chile, Colombian, England, Asprilla, Ecuador, Chilean, Denmark, Lille, Rueter, Jamaica, Barcelona, Copa America, Spain, Cardenas, Italy, Venezuela, Senegal, France

☆ World Cup winner Scaloni contemplates walking away from Argentina job
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-22 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"Argentina needs a coach who has all the energy possible and who is well ... "These players have given a lot to the coaching staff and I need to think a lot about what I'm going to do. "These guys are making it difficult, so I need to think about it for a while. "We are sure and hope that Scaloni will continue," Argentina defender Cristian Romero told reporters. "Let's see now he will have time to think, he didn't say anything in the dressing room about it.

Persons: Lionel Scaloni, Scaloni, It's, Lionel Messi, Cristian Romero, Fernando Kallas, Nick Mulvenney Organizations: RIO DE, South, FA, Copa America, Thomson Locations: RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Argentina, Qatar

☆ Ballon d’Or: Lionel Messi and Aitana Bonmatí win men’s and women’s awards
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( George Ramsay | Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Lionel Messi won a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or on Monday, while Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d’Or Féminin – the annual soccer awards celebrating the best players in the men’s and women’s game. This [award] is also for you, I share it with you and with all of Argentina.”Barça and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati receives the Woman Ballon d'Or award during the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony on October 30. “I’m very proud to receive the Ballon d’Or tonight. In both places, I have the best teammates next to me that make me better every day.”Aitana Bonmatí has won the Ballon d'Or Féminin for the first time. Barcelona Femení won Women’s Club of the Year for its standout year, which included three titles – Liga F, the Spanish Super Cup and the Women’s Champions League – and having a roster which included six Ballon d’Or Féminin nominees, including the winner, Bonmatí.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Ballon d’Or, Aitana Bonmatí, Féminin, Messi, Ballon, Erling Haaland, Germain, Kylian, “, I’ve, ”, David Beckham, Aitana, ” Messi, Odd Andersen, Diego Maradona, Diego, Maradona, ” Barça, Aitana Bonmati, Franck Fife, ” Bonmatí, Novak Djokovic, haven’t, ” Aitana Bonmatí, Javier Borrego, Alexia Putellas, Sam Kerr, Bonmatí’s, Salma Paralluelo, Jude Bellingham, Gerd Müller, Stefan Wermuth, Pep Guardiola’s, Barcelona Femení, d’Or Féminin, Bonmatí, Ballon d’Or Lionel Messi, Argentina Ballon, Spain Gerd Müller, Striker, Emiliano Martínez, Socrates, Vinícius Jr Organizations: CNN, Argentina’s, Inter Miami star’s, Manchester City, Paris Saint, Inter Miami, Argentina –, Copa América, Getty, Argentina national, …, Copa, France Football, Barcelona, Liga, League, Wolfsburg, world’s, FC Barcelona, Europa Press, Chelsea, Roja, Bellingham, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, German, FA, Men’s Club, pipping Inter Milan, Women’s Club, Spanish, Women’s, League –, Norway Yashin, Aston Villa, Argentina Kopa, Real, Brazil Men’s Club, Year Manchester City Women’s Club Locations: Barcelona, Spain, Paris, Argentina, Qatar, Argentine, AFP, Australia, New Zealand, Barça, Spanish, Bellingham, Los, Madrid, El Clásico, Manchester, Istanbul, Bonmatí, Manchester City, Norway, Real Madrid, Brazil

☆ Brazil World Cup qualifying: Spectacular bicycle kick ends Brazil’s remarkable home winning streak as Venezuela earns shock draw
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-13 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Eduard Bello’s audacious bicycle kick earned Venezuela a shock draw against Brazil in World Cup qualifying, ending the Seleção’s remarkable home winning streak. Brazil hadn’t failed to win a home World Cup qualifier since drawing 2-2 against Uruguay in March 2016, but Bello’s stunning strike with just five minutes remaining earned Venezuela a famous point. Argentina and Peru have only managed a draw each, while Ecuador and Chile have lost every World Cup qualifier they have played in Brazil. The Seleção has still never lost a home World Cup qualifier, in what must be one of the most impressive records in all of sport. However, the draw drops Brazil into second place behind Argentina after the Albiceleste maintained its 100% record so far with a 1-0 win over Paraguay.

Persons: CNN — Eduard Bello’s, Brazil hadn’t, Gabriel Magalhães, Vinícius Jr, Bello, Jefferson Savarino’s, Pedro Vilela, Brazil –, Darwin, Kevin Rodríguez’s Organizations: CNN, Venezuela, Brazil, Uruguay, Arsenal Locations: Brazil, Venezuela, Neymar’s, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay, Bolivia, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, La Paz

☆ Lionel Messi free kick leads Argentina to victory over Ecuador in opening World Cup qualifier
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Argentina got its 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign off to a winning start thanks to yet another sublime Lionel Messi free kick. “We know that they are difficult matches in the qualifiers,” Messi told reporters after the match. We have to keep going, competing and qualifying for the next World Cup, take it game after game. Everyone wants to beat Argentina and now that we are champions, even more so.”Messi’s goal was his 29th in World Cup qualifying campaigns, equaling his old Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez’s record. While the Albiceleste dominated possession, an organized Ecuador team – which will be expecting to qualify for the 2026 World Cup – stifled the home team’s attack for much of the match.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, Hernán Galíndez, ” Messi, Marcelo Endelli, ”, Luis Suarez’s, Gustavo Garello Organizations: CNN, Argentina, Inter Miami, “, South Locations: Ecuador, Argentina’s, “ Ecuador, Argentina, Barcelona, Colombia, Venezuela, Paraguay, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, Chile

The ninth Women's World Cup, which kicks off on July 20, is expected to attract the largest television audience in the history of women's soccer and FIFA will pay $30,000 directly to each participating player. In Argentina, the big local teams do not always open the doors of their stadiums for women's soccer matches, which are played at smaller venues. The South American Soccer Confederation (CONMEBOL)recognizes the disparity between men's and women's soccer and said recently it was taking steps to reduce it. Invigorated by Argentina's qualification for a fourth Women's World Cup, fans hope that progress into the knockout stage will generate more support for the sport. In women's soccer, everything is more difficult," she said.

Persons: Julieta Cruz, UAI Urquiza, Mariana Nedelcu, Lionel Messi, Messi, Diego Maradona, Estefania, Yamila Rodriguez, Laurina, Oliveros, Laura Fortunato, Fortunato, Martina Borgatello, Jacinta, Borgatello, Lucila Sigal, Anna, Catherine Brigida, Daniela Desantis, Nick Mulvenney, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Boca, Libertadores, America, REUTERS, Boca Juniors, soccer, FIFA, South American Soccer Confederation, CONMEBOL, women's, Thomson Locations: Buenos Aires, Argentina, BUENOS AIRES, Argentine, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Sweden, South Africa, Albiceleste, Paraguay

☆ Summer transfer window: The biggest moves so far as Saudi Arabia becomes major factor
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —European soccer’s summer transfer window is in full swing, with several household names already moving to pastures new. Karim Benzema – Real Madrid to Al-IttihadIn the first major coup of the summer for the Saudi Pro League, Karim Benzema has agreed to join Al-Ittihad once his contract expires with Real Madrid. After a disappointing season, Real Madrid will be hopeful that Bellingham will be a star midfielder for years to come once the ageing Luka Modric and Toni Kroos depart. The 32-year-old midfielder has signed a contract worth around £86 million ($109.8 million) a year, according to UK media. Rice, who was in the youth ranks at Chelsea and then West Ham, was voted Conference League player of the season.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo’s, Al Nassr, Karim Benzema –, Karim Benzema, Ittihad, Benzema, Frenchman, Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid Jude Bellingham, Florencia Tan Jun, Bellingham, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, N’Golo Kanté, Ittihad N'Golo Kanté, Justin Tallis, Kanté, Christopher Nkunku –, Chelsea Christopher Nkunku, Annegret Hilse, Germain, Chrisopher Nkunku, Nkunku, Todd Boehly, Kai Havertz, Germany's, Maja Hitij, Kai Kavertz, Mikel Arteta, Havertz, Boehly, Declan Rice –, Declan Rice, Richard Heathcote, Rice, West Ham’s, Mateo Kovačić –, Mateo Kovačić, Pep Guardiola’s, İlkay Gündoğan, Bernardo Silva, Alexis Mac Allister, Alex Pantling, Lionel Messi, Mac Allister, Jurgen Klopp, Mac, Roberto Firmino’s, Rúben Neves, Al Hilal Rúben Neves, Naomi Baker, Al Hilal, Neves Organizations: CNN, Super League, CNN Sport, Saudi Pro League, Al, Real Madrid, League, La Liga, Real, Champions League, Borussia Dortmund, Birmingham City, English, Ittihad N'Golo, France, Getty, Benzema, Chelsea, Premier League, FA, Europa League, UEFA Super, Leicester, Leipzig, RB Leipzig, Bundesliga, Reuters, Paris Saint, Arsenal, Ukraine, Gunners, Manchester City, football’s, Europa Conference League, Gent, Manchester United, Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Manchester, Argentina, Brighton, Liverpool, Anfield, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Wolves, Everton, Molineux, Portugal Locations: England, Saudi Arabia, Europe, Portuguese, Saudi Arabian, Karim Benzema – Real Madrid, Al, Ittihad, Bellingham, Dortmund, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Leicester, Paris, Leipzig, Bremen, Germany, Declan Rice – West Ham, West Ham, Mateo Kovačić – Chelsea, Madrid, Spain, Croatian, Brighton, Argentina, Qatar, Barcelona

☆ Lionel Messi scores fastest goal of his career with stunning effort after 79 seconds
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-15 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The 35-year-old led his country to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar last year, arguably the crowning triumph in one of the greatest football careers. “We always enjoy being with the national team,” Messi said afterwards. “Now there are World Cup qualifiers and the Copa America, it’s getting too ahead of yourself thinking about the next World Cup. Messi maniaDespite struggling with his club team Paris Saint-Germain last season, Thursday’s goal continues Messi’s excellent form for the Argentina national team. He finished the second top scorer at last year’s World Cup with seven goals and also provided three assists.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, “ Messi, Emiliano Martínez, Germán, ” Messi, it’s, you’ve, Germain, “ Messi ”, d’Or Organizations: CNN, Australia, American, CONMEBOL, ”, Real Betis, Copa America, Socceroos, Paris Saint, Argentina national, Workers, Barcelona, Weibo, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, PSG, Indonesia Locations: Argentina, Qatar, Beijing, ” Argentina, China, United States, Jakarta

☆ Messi invited to leave his mark at Maracana's Hall of Fame
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

After Argentina won the World Cup by beating France 4-2 on penalties in a heart-stopping final on Sunday, the public body which runs the stadium repeated the invitation to Messi first made when the 'Albiceleste' won the Copa America in 2021. "Messi has already demonstrated his importance on and off the pitch. After all, Messi is a genius with the ball," he added. The historic Maracana stadium has hosted two World Cup finals, in 1950 and 2014, and saw Messi and his squad become 2021 Copa America champions by beating Brazil 1-0. Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

It was a third World Cup for Argentina, but the first in 36 years. Messi has long lived in the shadow of Maradona in Argentina, who fans still adore with almost God-like status. [1/13] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Final Qatar 2022 - Fans in Buenos Aires - Buenos Aires, Argentina - December 18, 2022 General view as Argentina fans celebrate with flares after winning the World Cup REUTERS/Mariana Nedelcu 1 2 3 4 5In the streets of the capital revelers partied early into the hours of Monday. The World Cup had been the one piece of silverware missing for Messi, 35, who has broken multiple records playing for club teams Barcelona and Paris St Germain. Sunday's final was likely his last World Cup game for his country.

☆ Analysis: Drama specialists Argentina deserve their World Cup title
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Final - Argentina v France - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 18, 2022 Argentina's Lionel Messi lifts the World Cup trophy alongside teammates as they celebrate after winning the World Cup REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachLUSAIL, Qatar, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Sunday's World Cup final turned from a one-sided affair into a nerve-racking vintage showdown and it was somehow fitting that footballing diva Argentina prevailed over France amid the drama. "Argentina have been playing a World Cup final, not us," Deschamps said at halftime. The whole Argentina bench ran onto the pitch like headless chicken, but it was somehow not enough drama for a night to remember. France have conceded all the last 14 penalties against them in shootouts, with the last person to miss Luigi Di Biagio in the 1998 World Cup quarter-final. After France's shootout defeats in the Euro 2021 last 16 and 2006 World Cup final, it was a coherent end to a logic-defying final.

☆ France and Argentina bring multiple plot lines to mouthwatering World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Amy Woodyatt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Standing in Messi’s way is his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappé, as France seeks to win back-to-back World Cup trophies. After a shock defeat by Saudi Arabia in its opening group game, Argentina’s World Cup campaign got off to the worst possible start. When asked whether Sunday’s game will be his last at a World Cup, Messi replied: “Yes. Like Griezmann, the 36-year-old Giroud has had a renaissance in this World Cup, after failing to score a single goal in 2018. We’ll enjoy it now and get ready for the last match of this World Cup.”

Theo Hernández and Randal Kolo Muani scored as France defeated underdog Morocco, 2-0, in Qatar on Wednesday, sending Les Bleus into the World Cup final against perennial powerhouse Argentina. The Frenchmen, winners of soccer's most coveted trophy in 1998 and 2018, are seeking to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cup titles since Brazil did in 1958 and 1962. "In four days, we're going to play for a world title and we're really going to enjoy it." Morroco, which captured the world's imagination as the first African side to ever make the World Cup semifinals, will play for third place Saturday against 2018 runner-up Croatia. The next World Cup will be in North America in 2026 with the United States, Canada and Mexico serving as hosts.

☆ Lionel Messi confirms final will be last World Cup game ever as Argentina overpowers Croatia 3-0
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-13 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/AFP via Getty ImagesWhen asked whether Sunday’s game will be his last at a World Cup, Messi replied: “Yes. To finish my World Cup career playing my last game in a final. Everything I’ve lived in this World Cup, what people experienced and how much the people back in Argentina are enjoying it all is very emotional. Luka Modric was unable to guide Croatia to a second consecutive World Cup final. That was Messi’s 11th World Cup goal, taking him past Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup finals.

☆ World Cup quarterfinals: Qualifying teams, fixtures and schedule
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Alasdair Howorth | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —We are waiting on two teams to qualify for the World Cup quarterfinals, but six have already booked their places in the last eight. ETWhere: Education City StadiumAccording to Opta, Croatia has a 2.86% chance of winning the World Cup. But this team looks like it could be the first since 2002 to bring the World Cup trophy back to its spiritual home. ETWhere: Al Bayt StadiumAccording to Opta, England has a 18.83% chance of winning the World Cup. Which begs the question: is this the best England team since 1966, when it last won thee World?

☆ Maradona's former home opens doors for fan fest during Argentina's World Cup games
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BUENOS AIRES, Dec 6 (Reuters) - The new owners of a house Diego Maradona once bought for his parents in Buenos Aires have been staging events in the premises so that Argentine fans can celebrate the national team's triumphs at the World Cup in Qatar. At the World Cup matches, it is possible to walk through the different rooms, climb the marble staircase and sit on the balconies overlooking the garden. From one of the windows overlooking Jose Luis Cantillo Street, the current owners say that Maradona greeted the fans after leading Argentina to the World Cup title in Mexico in 1986. We won't stop until the World Cup final (in Qatar)," said one of the event's organisers. Reporting by Ramiro Scandolo in Buenos Aires, Writing by Janina Nuno RiosOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Lionel Messi scores in 1000th career game as Argentina reaches World Cup quarterfinals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Lionel Messi scored in what was the 1,000th game of his storied career as Argentina beat Australia 2-1 to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals. In the second half, Julián Álvarez capitalized on some slack goalkeeping by Australia stopper Mat Ryan to score his second goal of the tournament and extend Argentina’s lead. Those fans were soon crooning even more loudly when Messi curled a beautiful, left-footed effort past Australian keeper Ryan following a slick Argentina moved. After the break, Argentina began to turn on the style, though La Albiceleste’s second goal stemmed from hard work and pressing. With Australia pushing for a second goal, Argentina had an opportunities to catch the Socceroos on the break, with Lautaro Martínez missing numerous opportunities to seal the game.

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