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☆ Shirts worn by Messi at 2022 World Cup expected to fetch record price at auction
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 20 (Reuters) - Six shirts worn by Lionel Messi during Argentina's triumphant run at the 2022 World Cup are expected to become the "most valuable collection of sports memorabilia" when bidding opens later this month, auction house Sotheby's said. The collection includes the shirt he wore during the first half of the final in Qatar. "The extraordinary collection is estimated in excess of $10 million, with the sale poised to become the most valuable collection of sports memorabilia at auction," Sotheby's said in a statement. Bidding for the white and sky blue shirts will be open from Nov. 30 to Dec. 14, coinciding with a public exhibition to showcase the collection. "The extraordinary collection is estimated in excess of $10 million, with the sale poised to become the most valuable collection of sports memorabilia at auction," Sotheby's said in a statement.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Argentina's, Sotheby's, Sant Joan de Déu, Leo Messi, Agustin Marcarian, Michael Jordan’s, Tommy Lund, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Barcelona Children’s Hospital, Leo Messi Foundation, Soccer Football, Estadio, REUTERS, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Qatar, Barcelona, Argentina, Uruguay, Buenos Aires, Gdansk

☆ Shakira stands trial in Spain for alleged tax fraud
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Shakira poses on the red carpet during the 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards show in Seville, Spain, November 16, 2023. The 'Hips Don't Lie' Colombian megastar, who also has a second tax fraud investigation pending with Spanish authorities, has vowed to fight what she called false accusations. She rejected a settlement offer from the prosecutor's office to close the case and is expected to testify on Monday in the first of 12 hearings scheduled until Dec. 14. The prosecutor's office is seeking an up to eight-year prison term and to claim back the taxes it says she owes. Shakira, 46, lived with former Barcelona and Spain soccer star Gerard Pique for 11 years and the couple have two children.

Persons: Shakira, Marcelo del Pozo, Gerard Pique, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, Judge Jose Manuel del Amo Sanchez, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, Argentina's Lionel Messi, Diego Costa, Bayer, Xabi Alonso, Alonso, Emma Pinedo, Aislinn Laing, Alexander Smith Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Spanish, Bayer Leverkusen, Thomson Locations: Seville, Spain, Rights BARCELONA, Barcelona, Miami, Spanish

☆ Qatar World Cup: Amnesty International says ‘abuses persist’ and ‘too little has been done’ to protect workers
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Qatar now leads the region on workers’ rights and labor reforms, setting an example for other countries on how a system can be successfully overhauled. Argentina's Lionel Messi lifts World Cup after defeating France in the final. Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe/Getty ImagesIn the build-up to last year’s World Cup, the organizers received widespread criticism for their treatment of migrant workers. The report did not connect all 6,500 deaths with World Cup infrastructure projects and has not been independently verified by CNN. Amnesty International also reiterated its 10-point plan which was published in the build-up to the 2022 World Cup.

Persons: Qatar’s, “, Argentina's Lionel Messi, Julian Finney, Hassan Al Thawadi, CNN’s Becky Anderson, Steve Cockburn, “ Qatar’s, ” Organizations: CNN, Amnesty International, Amnesty, Qatar’s International Media, FIFA, France, Getty, Guardian, Economic Social Justice, Qatar “, Qatar Locations: Qatar, Qatari, Europe

☆ Suarez returns to Uruguay squad, Cavani out injured
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Marcelo Bielsa's 24-man list also included fellow striker Edinson Cavani but he has withdrawn after a muscle injury in Boca Juniors' 1-0 win over Newell's Old Boys on Sunday. Mexican club Leon's Federico Vinas has therefore been drafted in as a late replacement. The 36-year-old Suarez, who played his last game for Uruguay in the 2-0 win over Ghana in December at the World Cup, has made 137 international appearances, scoring 68 goals. The striker could return to the top of the all-time South American World Cup qualifying scoring charts, where he trails Argentina's Lionel Messi by two goals with a total of 31. Another record within reach is the number of games played for Uruguay in World Cup qualifiers, currently held by Diego Godin with 65 appearances, three more than the Gremio forward.

Persons: Uruguay's Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, Kai Pfaffenbach, Luis Suarez, Cavani, Marcelo Bielsa's, Leon's Federico Vinas, Suarez, Lionel Messi, Diego Godin, Sergio Rochet, Franco, Santiago Mele, Ronald Araujo, Jose Maria Gimenez, Bruno Mendez, Sebastian Caceres, Matias Vina, Sassuolo, Guillermo Varela, Mathias Olivera, Manuel Ugarte, Rodrigo Bentancur, Felipe Carballo, Nicolas de la, Federico Valverde, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Agustin Canobbio, Maximiliano Araujo, Facundo Pellistri, Facundo Torres, Cristian Olivera, Darwin Nunez, Federico Vinas, Angelica Medina, Ken Ferris Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA World, Qatar, Lusail, Edinson Cavani REUTERS, Boca Juniors, Newell's, Sunday, South, Argentina, Ghana, Gremio, Sporting, Atletico Madrid, Flamengo, Paris St, Tottenham Hotspur, Athletico Paranaense, Manchester United, Strikers, Angeles FC, Thomson Locations: Portugal, Uruguay, Lusail, Qatar, Bolivia, Internacional, Franco Israel, Barcelona, America, Paris, Paris St Germain, Nicolas de la Cruz, Real Madrid, Athletico, Toluca, Manchester, Orlando City, Angeles, Liverpool, Leon, Mexico City

The joint bid from Morocco, Portugal and Spain was the sole candidate to host the tournament. Spain have been awarded the World Cup weeks after their disgraced former chief Luis Rubiales was forced to step down for alleged sexual assault at the Women's World Cup. "As a result, a celebration will take place in South America and three South American countries - Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay - will organise one match each of the FIFA World Cup 2030." WORLD CUP RETURNS TO SPAINWhile Portugal and Morocco have never hosted the World Cup, Spain last hosted the tournament in 1982. "I am sure that together with Morocco and Portugal we will organise the best World Cup in history," he said.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Carl Recine, Luis Rubiales, Gianni Infantino, Infantino, Robert Harrison, Pedro Rocha, Fernando Gomes, King Mohammed VI, FIFA's, Rohith Nair, Daniela Desantis, Osama Khairy, Emma Pinedo Gonzalez, William Maclean Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA World, Qatar, Lusail, REUTERS, Uruguay, FIFA, Argentine Football Association, FIFA Council, Montevideo's Estadio Centenario, Paraguayan Football Association, South, Management, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Portuguese Football Federation, Christian, Thomson Locations: Argentina, France, Lusail, Qatar, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Paraguay, Uruguay, Montevideo, South America, Asia, Oceania, Bengaluru, Asuncion

☆ Argentina remain top of FIFA world rankings
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

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 winning the World Cup REUTERS/Carl Recine/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 21 (Reuters) - World champions Argentina strengthened their grip at the top of the FIFA world rankings in the latest list on Thursday, with the top five remaining unchanged after the international break. Argentina, who dethroned Brazil at the summit in April, remained top after beating Ecuador and Bolivia in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers earlier this month. Second-placed France, who lost to Germany in a friendly last week, retained second place followed by Brazil (third), England (fourth) and Belgium (fifth). Portugal were the only team in the top 10 to climb a spot, moving up to eighth, while Italy dropped one place to ninth after a 1-1 draw with North Macedonia in a Euro 2024 qualifier. Croatia (sixth), Netherlands (seventh) and Spain (10th) complete the top 10, while Morocco (13th), Colombia (16th), Denmark (18th) and Japan (19th) all moved up a place.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Carl Recine, Hritika Sharma, Ken Ferris Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA World, Qatar, Lusail, REUTERS, Argentina, FIFA, North, Croatia, Thomson Locations: Argentina, France, Lusail, Qatar, Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia, Germany, England, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, North Macedonia, Netherlands, Spain, Morocco, Colombia, Denmark, Japan, Croatia, States, Mexico, Switzerland, Uruguay, Senegal, Hyderabad

☆ Messi to lead Argentina in opening World Cup qualifiers
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Soccer Football - International Friendly - Argentina v Panama - Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina - March 23, 2023 Argentina's Lionel Messi during the match REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsBUENOS AIRES, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi will lead world champions Argentina in their opening World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Bolivia, the captain's first internationals since joining Major League Soccer's Inter Miami. Coach Lionel Scaloni's 32-man squad also features stalwarts including Angel Di Maria, who returned to Benfica this year, and defender Nicolas Otamendi. Argentina host Ecuador in Buenos Aires on Sept. 7 and travel to play Bolivia five days later. SquadGoalkeepers: Juan Musso (Atalanta), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Walter Benitez (PSV Eindhoven), Franco Armani (River Plate). Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (AS Roma), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis), Facundo Buonanotte (Brighton & Hove Albion), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Exequiel Palacios (Bayern Leverkusen) and Bruno Zapelli (Athletico Paranaense).

Persons: Lionel Messi, Agustin Marcarian, Lionel Scaloni's, Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi, Alan Velasco, Bruno Zapelli, Lucas Esquivel, Lucas Beltran, Paulo Dybala, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso, Atalanta, Emiliano Martinez, Aston, Walter Benitez, Franco Armani, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Juan Foyth, Marcos Senesi, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Tagliafico, Athletico, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Guido Rodriguez, Facundo Buonanotte, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Exequiel Palacios, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lautaro Martinez, Angel Correa, Julian Alvarez, Alejandro Garnacho, Thiago Almada, Ramiro Sandolo, Janina Nuno Rios, Ed Omsond Organizations: Soccer Football, Estadio Monumental, REUTERS, Argentina, Ecuador, Major League Soccer's Inter Miami, Benfica, FC Dallas, Athletico Paranaense, Italy's Fiorentina, AS Roma, Ajax Amsterdam, Aston Villa, PSV Eindhoven, Atletico Madrid, Real Betis, Nottingham Forest, Villarreal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Olympique Lyonnais, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Bayern Leverkusen, Fiorentina, Inter, Manchester City, Inter Miami, Atlanta United, Thomson Locations: Argentina, Panama, Buenos Aires, BUENOS AIRES, Bolivia, Ecuador, Real, Nottingham, Bournemouth, Olympique, Benfica, Brighton, Liverpool, Athletico, Inter Milan, Manchester

“Messi” soon became the top trending topic on Chinese social media platform Weibo, while video footage showed hundreds of fans swarming the team’s hotel entrance in the hope of catching a glimpse of their idol. Argentina’s pre-match training session was delayed for safety reasons Sunday after “outrageously passionate” fans made it impossible for the team to leave their hotel, Global Times reported, citing game organizers. One fan was so eager to meet Messi that he spent 10,000 yuan ($1,400) on rooms at multiple Beijing luxury hotels in the hope of seeing the star, Global TImes said. AFA/Handout/ReutersSeveral unofficial Weibo accounts also claimed to offer VIP stadium passes, front-row seats for the game and autographed Argentina jerseys at inflated prices. Argentina will next travel to Jakarta for a friendly against Indonesia on June 19, though it is unclear if Messi will join the squad for that game.

Persons: Hong Kong CNN — Lionel Messi, scammers, “ Messi, ” Messi, “ Messi ”, Argentina’s, “, Messi, ” Argentina's Lionel Messi, d’Or, Germain Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Australia, Weibo, Global Times, Workers, Beijing, AFA, Reuters, Messi, Barcelona, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Paris Saint, Indonesia Locations: Hong Kong, Argentina, Beijing, China, United States, Jakarta

☆ Messi headlines shortlist for FIFA Best Men's Player award
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Messi, along with his Paris St Germain team mate Kylian Mbappe and Manchester City's Erling Haaland, were among the 14 players shortlisted for The Best FIFA Men's Player award, the world governing body said on Thursday. Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, who won the 2022 Ballon d'Or award, is also in the shortlist. Sarina Wiegman, who led England to last year's European Championship title, is joined on The Best FIFA Women's Coach shortlist by Chelsea's Emma Hayes and Germany manager Martina Voss-Tecklenburg. Liverpool's Alisson Becker, Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois and Aston Villa's Martinez are among the nominees for The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper award. FIFA also announced an 11-player shortlist for this year's Puskas Award for the "most beautiful" goal of the year, with Mbappe's spectacular volley against Argentina in the World Cup final among the nominees.

☆ Thousands in Argentina welcome back triumphant World Cup winners, Messi
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

Thousands of fans lined up in the middle of the night to try to get a glimpse of the Argentina soccer team that won one of the greatest World Cup finals of all time ahead what is scheduled to be a day of celebrations in Buenos Aires. Throughout the trip, Messi held on the World Cup as players waved to fans and often sang along with them. Argentina's Lionel Messi holds the FIFA World Cup Trophy upon arrival at Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. As the plane got closer to Argentine soil, almost 200,000 people were tracking its path online and news channels gave live coverage of the arrival. In the afternoon, people started arriving at the airport and outside the AFA headquarters in hopes of getting a glimpse of the team.

☆ Argentina's World Cup winners arrive home to hero's welcome
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The Argentine capital has been in party mode since their dramatic victory over France in Sunday's final in Qatar, which gave the country its first World Cup win since Diego Maradona hoisted the trophy 36 years ago. The players, wearing their gold winners' medals around their necks and taking turns to hold the World Cup trophy aloft, waved at fans from an open-top bus as the lights from thousands of mobile phones sparkled and flags fluttered in the crowd. Thousands had tracked the plane, the state airline Aerolineas Argentinas AR1915, all the way from Doha and a stop-off in Rome. Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties after a scintilaing 3-3 draw, with Messi scoring twice France's Kylian Mbappe netting three times. Messi, 35, announced that the final would be his last match in the World Cup though he intends to play a few more games for the national side.

☆ 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.

☆ Argentina to celebrate World Cup victory at Buenos Aires' Obelisk
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/4] 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 winning the World Cup REUTERS/Carl Recine TPX IMAGES OF THE DAYDec 19 (Reuters) - Argentina's national team will celebrate their World Cup triumph on Tuesday in Buenos Aires at the Obelisk, the monument that is the traditional epicentre of sporting celebrations, the federation said on Monday. "The world champion squad will leave on Tuesday at noon for the Obelisk to celebrate the world title with the fans," the Argentine Football Association (AFA) said on its official Twitter account. Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw in a pulsating game that was labelled by many as one of the best finals in World Cup history. Argentines, who took to the streets in every corner of the country after winning their third World Cup, are eagerly awaiting the team's arrival to continue the celebrations. Reporting by Ramiro Scandolo, writing by Angelica Medina in Mexico City, editing by Pritha SarkarOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Argentina beats France 4-2 on penalties to win the World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Argentina's captain and forward #10 Lionel Messi (C) lifts the FIFA World Cup Trophy on stage as he celebrates with teammates after they won the Qatar 2022 World Cup final football match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on December 18, 2022. Kirill Kudryavtsev | Afp | Getty ImagesArgentina won the World Cup on Sunday after beating defending champions France 4-2 on penalties, following a dramatic 3-3 draw after extra time. Argentina keeper Emiliano Martinez saved Kingsley Coman's penalty and Aurelien Tchouameni fired wide to give Argentina their first world title since 1986, and third overall. Argentina's goalkeeper #23 Emiliano Martinez concedes a penalty goal by France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe (L) during the Qatar 2022 World Cup final football match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on December 18, 2022. France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup final football match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on December 18, 2022.

☆ 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.

☆ Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties to win World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Karolos Grohmann | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/15] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Final - Argentina v France - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 18, 2022 Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates alongside Nicolas Otamendi, Lautaro Martinez and teammates after winning the World Cup REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachLUSAIL, Qatar, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Argentina won the World Cup on Sunday after beating defending champions France 4-2 on penalties, following a dramatic 3-3 draw after extra time. Argentina keeper Emiliano Martinez saved Kingsley Coman's penalty and Aurelien Tchouameni fired wide to give Argentina their first world title since 1986, and third overall. France had come from two goals down to level over 90 minutes with Kylian Mbappe netting twice in two minutes, including an 80th-minute penalty. The France striker completed his hat-trick in the 118th with another spot-kick after Argentina's Lionel Messi had tapped in for a 3-2 lead in the 109th. Argentina had gone 2-0 up in the first half with Messi, making a record-breaking 26th World Cup appearance, converting a 23rd-minute penalty.

☆ The US may have lost in the World Cup, but soccer is more popular than ever in America
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Harry Enten | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +36 min

The Atlas Lions made history as the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal. They made history as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. It was Morocco's first World Cup win since 1998 — and its third-ever at the tournament. Less spoken about is that they also rate better on television than the men do in the World Cup. We’ll just have to wait and see, though with the US, Canada and Mexico hosting the 2026 World Cup, soccer isn’t going away anytime soon.

☆ Maradona is watching us from above and pushing us, says Messi
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( Hritika Sharma | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

He is pushing us and I really hope this stays the same until the end," Messi told reporters. From the beginning it was a really tough match, we knew it would be this way. Argentina will take on Croatia for a place in the final, after the 2018 runners-up beat Brazil on penalties earlier. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said despite their second-half collapse, his team had no problem finding players willing to take penalties. This team had experience, pride, young players, and this is key, because we want to fight."

☆ Argentina beat Netherlands on penalties to reach World Cup semi-finals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Hritika Sharma | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

In a scrappy half-hour of extra time with the scores level, Enzo Fernandez rattled the post in the closing seconds while Martinez and German Pezzella also had efforts blocked or parried away as Argentina desperately pushed for a winner. The Netherlands had rarely troubled Argentina during the match before substitute Wout Weghorst's header in the 83rd minute sparked them into life and he rolled the ball past goalkeeper Emi Martinez deep into stoppage time to send the game into extra time. Argentina captain Lionel Messi had superbly set up Nahuel Molina for their first-half opener, threading a sublime pass through the Dutch defence, before coolly slotting in a penalty in the 73rd minute after Denzel Dumfries fouled Marcos Acuna. Argentina will next face Croatia, who beat Brazil on penalties earlier, on Tuesday for a place in the final. Reporting by Hritika Sharma; Editing by Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Argentina lead Netherlands 1-0 at halftime in World Cup quarter-final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/4] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Quarter Final - Netherlands v Argentina - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 9, 2022 Argentina's Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul celebrate after Nahuel Molina scores their first goal REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachLUSAIL, Qatar, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi set up Nahuel Molina for the opening goal in the 35th minute to give Argentina a 1-0 lead over the Netherlands at halftime in their World Cup quarter-final on Friday. With the Argentinian fans far outnumbering their Dutch counterparts, the stadium was bouncing from the start, and Messi thrilled his compatriots with some of his trademark penetrating dribbles. The 35-year-old's rush at the heart of the Dutch defence paid dividends 10 minutes before the break as he slipped a sublime ball through for Molina to clip home from close range. The winner of Friday's clash will meet Croatia, who beat Brazil on penalties, in the semi-finals next Tuesday. Reporting by Philip O'Connor; Editing by Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Croatia beats Japan on penalties to reach World Cup quarterfinals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +28 min

CNN —Goalkeeper Dominik Livaković made himself a national hero as Croatia beat Japan on penalties 1-1 (3-1) to reach the World Cup quarterfinals. Marko Djurica/ReutersJapan’s heartbreakDespite its defeat, Japan can look back at an impressive World Cup campaign. They made history Thursday as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. Mbappé was one of the leading stars of the team's World Cup triumph four years ago. He also became just the third goalkeeper to save three penalties in a single World Cup shootout.

☆ France reaches World Cup quarterfinals with 3-1 victory over Poland as Kylian Mbappé breaks Pelé’s record
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +30 min

CNN —France was made to work hard for its place in the World Cup quarterfinals, overcoming an improved Poland side 3-1 thanks to goals from Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappé. That is Mbappé’s fifth goal of Qatar 2022 and already his ninth World Cup goal overall, breaking Pelé’s record of seven World Cup goals scored before the age of 24. They made history Thursday as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. Issei Kato/Reuters Kylian Mbappé scores his second goal on November 26, leading France to a 2-1 victory over Denmark. Mbappé was one of the leading stars of the team's World Cup triumph four years ago.

☆ USMNT’s youth and talent at Qatar 2022 bodes well for 2026 World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +31 min

The Netherlands knocked the USMNT out of the Qatar World Cup on Saturday. They made history Thursday as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. Frappert became the first woman to referee a men's World Cup match. It was Morocco's first World Cup win since 1998 — and its third-ever at the tournament. Qatar is the first Islamic country to host a World Cup.

☆ Japan vs. Croatia: Samurai Blue aiming to reach World Cup quarterfinals for first time
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +31 min

CNN —In a World Cup of surprises, Japan has played a leading role in headline-making shock results. Croatia is a team undefeated in nine of its last 10 World Cup matches. They made history Thursday as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. Frappert became the first woman to referee a men's World Cup match. It was Morocco's first World Cup win since 1998 — and its third-ever at the tournament.

☆ World Cup delirium ignites alleys of Pakistan's 'mini Brazil'
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Thousands turned out in "Mini Brazil" last Monday when Brazil played Switzerland, sporting the classic yellow and green colours of their favourite team as they gathered in front of large television screens to the sound of raucous music. "Very powerful matches and the Brazil match," said Ashiq Hussain, one of the young players from the academy, adding that he found the matches inspiring. "I went for my job wearing the Brazil shirt, and now at night, I am still wearing the shirt during the match," said another fan, Mohammad Yasin. Brazil's success in that match will draw out thousands more in "Mini Brazil" on Friday, when the team face off against Cameroon. If they draw or win, Brazil will top their Group G.If they lose and Switzerland win against Serbia, the goal difference will decide the top spot.

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