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☆ Jude Bellingham: How a 20-year-old Englishman fueled Real Madrid’s record-extending La Liga title
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-06 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Jude Bellingham celebrated winning his first ever La Liga title with his mother, posting a picture on Instagram of the two hugging with the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium stretching out behind them. We had a lot of continuity from the first to the last game.”When Bellingham joined Real Madrid, expectations were high for the young Englishman. Jude Bellingham celebrates with Real Madrid fans after winning the Champions League quarterfinal against Manchester City. He scored 10 goals in his first 10 games, won La Liga’s player of the month for August and quickly displayed his knack of finding late winners, rescuing Real late on against Getafe in September. It isn’t just his goalscoring that has proven so effective for Real Madrid.

Persons: CNN — Jude Bellingham, Santiago, Rodrygo, Ballon, Carlo Ancelotti, ”, Realmadrid, “, Jude Bellingham, Molly Darlington, Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappé, “ Jude Bellingham, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Zidane, Steve McManaman, “ There’s, I’ve, Cádiz, CNN’s Amanda Davies Organizations: CNN, Liga, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, La Liga, Bellingham, El, Barcelona, League, Manchester City, Reuters, Champions League, La, Real, Getafe, Spanish, Marca, TNT Sports, TNT, Warner Bros . Locations: Bellingham, La, Spanish, Madrid

☆ Lionel Messi scores twice and breaks two Major League Soccer records in emphatic Inter Miami win
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-28 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Lionel Messi’s start to the new Major League Soccer season has been impressive, even by the Argentine great’s lofty standards. Inter Miami sits atop the MLS Eastern Conference after a brilliant start which has included six victories in 11 games. In front of 65,612 fans – a new attendance record for a Revolution home game – Messi set two MLS records. “People come to every stadium to see Leo, that’s true, but they also want their team to win,” Miami head coach Gerardo Martino said in Spanish postgame, per the MLS. He has also contributed significantly to the transformation of Miami’s fortunes, helping the team win its first trophy last August, as well as taking it to the top of the Eastern Conference standings this campaign.

Persons: Lionel Messi’s, Messi, –, – Messi, Maddie Meyer, Tomás, Benjamin Cremaschi, Luis Suárez, Leo, that’s, Gerardo Martino, “ We’re, ” Messi, Ballon d’Or Organizations: CNN, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, New England, Gillette, MLS Eastern Conference, MLS, Messi, New, “, Miami, Argentina, Chase Field, Nashville SC, Eastern Conference Locations: Argentine, Miami, Spanish

☆ Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain complete star-studded Women’s Champions League semifinals lineup
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain both reached the semifinals of the Women’s Champions League with dominant performances to set up two thrilling clashes in the last four. “Tonight was a good example of what my team are,” Barcelona head coach Jonatan Giráldez added. However, the French side stamped its authority on the match in the opening stages and deservedly broke the deadlock after 27 minutes thanks to Chawinga’s unerring left-footed finish off the post. PSG will rightly feel confident going into the semifinal against European powerhouse Lyon, with the team currently on a 22-match unbeaten run and 11-game winning streak at home. Thibault Camus/AP“It was a good game, there are many reasons to be satisfied,” PSG head coach Jocelyn Prêcheur said, per UEFA.

Persons: Germain, Ballon, Aitana Bonmatí, Fridolina Rolfö, Patricia Guijarro, Barça, Lyon, Tabitha Chawinga, Korbin Albert, Marie, Antoinette Katoto, Bonmatí, Barça hasn’t, Tomine Svendheim, Guijarro, Caroline Graham Hansen, Fridolina, Albert Gea, ”, Jonatan Giráldez, deservedly, Chawinga’s unerring, Albert, Katoto, Thibault Camus, Jocelyn Prêcheur, it’s, “ Organizations: CNN —, Paris Saint, Women’s, League, Norwegian, Brann, Chelsea, PSG, Women’s Champions League, Lyon, Rolfö, Reuters, UEFA, ”, ” Barcelona, ” PSG, European, Parc des Princes Locations: CNN — Barcelona, Paris, Thursday’s, Norway, Barcelona, ” Barcelona, Parc des

☆ Lionel Messi says he hasn’t yet thought about when he will retire
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( George Ramsay | Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Age, they say, is just a number – an adage that appears to ring true for soccer star Lionel Messi. “The truth is I haven’t thought about it yet,” said Messi, who turns 37 in June. “Today, I try to enjoy it day-by-day, enjoy every moment without thinking about it more than that. Messi celebrates winning the World Cup with Argentina in 2022. Asked about what will factor into his decision to retire, Messi said: “The moment that I’m not at the level to deliver, that I’m not enjoying it, that I’m not helping my teammates.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, hasn’t, Ballon d’Or, ”, it’s, Cristiano Ronaldo, aplenty, Nassr, Carl Recine, Reuters Messi, I’m, “, ” Messi, Argentina’s, El Savaldor Organizations: CNN, Argentina, La Liga, Barcelona, Reuters, MLS, Inter Miami, Leagues, Eastern Conference, El, Inter, New York Locations: “, Portugal, Saudi Arabian, Costa Rica, New York City

☆ Kylian Mbappé breaks part of net with powerful goal as he’s hailed ‘No. 1 player in the world’
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The 25-year-old’s double led the French side to a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad in San Sebastián, Spain, giving it a 4-1 victory on aggregate over the two legs of their round-of-16 clash. Such was the power of his goal that the strike actually broke the net, leaving a hole behind between post and net. Mbappé doubled PSG’s lead on the night and effectively finished off the tie 11 minutes after halftime with another trademark goal. Mbappé scores PSG's second goal against Real Sociedad. Alvaro Barrientos/APAlthough Mikel Merino scored late on to give Real Sociedad some consolation, the evening was all about Mbappé and his excellent outing.

Persons: Kylian Mbappé, Germain, Mbappé, Alejandro Remiro, Alvaro Barrientos, Mikel Merino, “ We’re, ”, ” Mbappé, Luis Enrique lauding, ” Enrique, France’s, Mbappé –, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Rio Ferdinand, “, … Mbappé, don’t, Mbappé’s, ’ ”, Owen Hargreaves, Thierry Henry, Ronaldo Nazario, Hargreaves Organizations: CNN, Paris Saint, Champions League, Real Sociedad, PSG, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, TNT Sports, France Locations: Paris, San Sebastián, Spain, –, England

☆ Lionel Messi: World Cup winner’s dazzling skill lights up Inter Miami’s MLS season opener against Real Salt Lake
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Lionel Messi produced a memorable piece of skill during Inter Miami’s 2-0 victory against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, the opening game of the MLS season. In possession on the edge of the Real Salt Lake box, Messi looked to get a shot away while injured opponent Andrew Brody lay on the ground in front of him. And he showed some speed too,” Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said of the 2022 World Cup winner’s performance, according to ESPN. The star-studded side started to deliver on those expectations in Wednesday’s curtain-raiser to the new season, with Messi at the heart of Miami’s best moments. Messi’s first full season in the US has seen a huge ticket demand for Miami’s games, and Wednesday was no exception.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, Andrew Brody, Ballon, “, Gerardo “ Tata ” Martino, ” Messi, Miami’s, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Robert Taylor, Zac MacMath, Suárez, Diego Gómez, MacMath, Diego Gómez's, Megan Briggs, Justen, Julian Gressel, Messi’s, Gómez, Busquets ’, Drake Callender Organizations: CNN, Inter, Real, Real Salt Lake, MLS, Miami, ESPN, “, Chase, Barcelona, Messi, Salt Lake, Inter Miami, Martino’s Inter Miami, Leagues, Salt Lake’s, LA Locations: Real Salt, Salt, Miami, Real Salt Lake, Carson , California

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi and Inter Miami closed out their tumultuous Major League Soccer preseason with a 1-1 draw against Messi's boyhood club, Newell's Old Boys on Thursday night. Messi checked out of the game Thursday with Inter Miami's Luis Suárez in the 60th minute. Photos You Should See View All 33 ImagesShanyder Borgelin put Inter Miami ahead 1-0 with a header in the 64th minute, and Newell's Franco Díaz tied it in the 83rd minute. Inter Miami set off on a global tour of exhibition games aimed at promotion and marketing, featuring Messi and the Uruguayan star Suárez. Inter Miami was outscored 12-7 in its first five games before a win in Hong Kong.

Persons: — Lionel Messi, Ballon d’Or, Gerardo “ Tata ” Martino, Messi, Martino, Inter Miami's Luis Suárez, Borgelin, Newell's Franco Díaz, Messi's, Suárez, Leo, Luis Suarez, ” Martino, Luis, fizzling, ___ Organizations: Inter Miami, Major League Soccer, Messi's, Newell's, FC Barcelona, Inter Miami's, Messi, MLS, Uruguayan, ” Inter Miami, Salt Lake Locations: FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla, Rosario, Argentina, Hong Kong, Salt

☆ Lionel Messi expresses regret over not being able to play in Hong Kong
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Teele Rebane | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi expressed regret Tuesday over not being able to play in a friendly match in Hong Kong. Messi, who plays for Major League Soccer team Inter Miami, did not step onto the pitch to play against a Hong Kong XI on Sunday, causing outrage among fans. A sellout crowd of 40,000 attended the match in Hong Kong, but the occasion ended acrimoniously when fans booed, jeered and called for ticket refunds as Messi remained on the bench. Even the Hong Kong government said it was “disappointed” that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner wasn’t brought on during the match. Messi added that he could understand why people were upset that he had not participated in the match, but expressed hope that Miami could play in Hong Kong again at some point.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, ” Messi, clamoring, jeered, ”, Ballon, wasn’t, Gerardo “ Tata ” Martino, Luis Suárez Organizations: CNN, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Hong, Hong Kong XI, Inter, Miami, Wednesday, Vissel Locations: Argentine, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Kobe, Vissel Kobe

☆ Hong Kong officials demand answers for Lionel Messi no-show
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Chris Lau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Hong Kong CNN —The Hong Kong government’s repeated requests for Lionel Messi to play in a sell-out soccer match went unanswered Sunday, a city official said, as cheers turned to jeers for the Argentine soccer legend. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong government, which provided more than $2 million in grants to the match organizer, also said it was “extremely disappointed” the star did not play. Fans make their feelings clear after Lionel Messi's Hong Kong no-show. ‘We do feel a bit scammed’“Messi mania” had captured Hong Kong with Inter Miami’s arrival on Friday as fans swarmed the Major League Soccer team’s hotel. Meanwhile, the stadium reached full capacity during the Inter Miami’s open training session the evening before the match.

Persons: Hong Kong government’s, Lionel Messi, jeers, –, Messi, Ballon, Kevin Yeung, XFEST, Lionel Messi's, Justin Chin, Yeung, “, ” Yeung, Gerardo “ Tata ” Martino, ‘, ’ “ Messi, ”, Ada Kam, Luis Suárez Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Hong Kong, Inter Miami’s, Hong, Hong Kong XI, Culture, Bloomberg, Getty, Inter, Major League Soccer team’s, CNN, Nigeria Locations: Hong Kong, Hong, Argentine, Lionel Messi's Hong Kong, Miami, Inter Miami’s, Tokyo, China, Argentina, Hangzhou, Ivory Coast, Beijing

☆ Lionel Messi no-show ignites booing and calls for refunds at Inter Miami match in Hong Kong
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-04 | by ( Andrew Mcnicol | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Hong Kong CNN —Thousands of soccer fans in Hong Kong were left disappointed when Argentine superstar Lionel Messi failed to take to the field in a friendly match for Inter Miami on Sunday. What started with overwhelming cheers and rapture ended in boos and calls for refunds in the sold-out, 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium. Inter Miami — out to prove a point having gone winless during a worldwide pre-season tour — comfortably defeated a Hong Kong XI 4-1 in an event branded as Tatler XFEST Hong Kong. According to Reuters, tickets went on sale in December and cost between 880 and 4,880 Hong Kong dollars (about $113 and $624). “This whole Messi in Hong Kong thing has been building up for quite some time.

Persons: Lionel Messi, —, Messi, Ballon, Hong, “ Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Louise Delmotte, David Beckham, Messi ”, ”, XFEST, Suárez, “, Gerardo “ Tata ” Martino, Leo, Luis, ” Martino, apologetically, Hong Kong, “ Leo, Suarez, ” Suárez, Martino, Yapp Hung, Yapp, Messi superfan Christer Leung, ” Leung, Lionel, Lam Yik, Reuters “ Messi Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Argentine, Inter Miami, Hong Kong Stadium, Inter Miami —, Hong, Reuters, CNN, Miami, Al, MLS, Major League Soccer, Hong Kong XI, fai, Messi, Argentina, ’, Inter, USA, Sports, Ardent, Argentina national, Australia, Nigeria, Vissel Kobe Locations: Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, America, China, Beijing, Argentina, Ivory Coast, Hangzhou, Japan

HONG KONG (AP) — Lionel Messi stayed on the bench for the full 90 minutes on Sunday as Inter Miami defeated a Hong Kong XI 4-1 in the latest stop on the MLS team’s preseason Asian tour. Messi played the final seven minutes of the losing effort but a tight hamstring kept the eight-time Ballon D’or winner on the sidelines in Hong Kong along with Uruguayan forward and former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez. The fans who filled the same arena a day earlier at least saw the 2022 World Cup winner in an open training session along with Miami co-owner David Beckham. Robert Taylor opened the scoring for Miami five minutes before the break with a curling shot from the corner of the area. Miami finishes its Asian tour in Japan on Wednesday as it takes on Vissel Kobe.

Persons: — Lionel Messi, Saudi Arabia’s, Messi, Ballon, Luis Suarez, David Beckham, Robert Taylor, Henri Anier, Jorn Andersen, Lawson Sunderland, Miami’s, Leonardo Campana, Ryan Sailor, ___ Organizations: Inter Miami, Hong, MLS, Hong Kong, Miami, Saudi, Uruguayan Locations: HONG KONG, Hong Kong, Nassr, Riyadh, Barcelona, Japan, Kobe

At the center of that growth are newer genres of Afrobeats — the renowned blend of distinct West African music styles — and amapiano, which fuses South African kwaito with African jazz, house music and soulful vocals. The 2022 track became the first led by an African artist to hit 1 billion Spotify streams and has the record for the most weeks — 64 — spent on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart. And some tracks meld the genres under the African music umbrella. That reach is particularly interesting considering that African music is produced for its people, embodying all aspects of their lives from their culture and experiences to their struggles, LeriQ says. The continent leads mobile device web traffic in the world, according to the U.S. International Trade Administration, translating to more market opportunities for artists.

Persons: ”, Burna Boy’s, Rema’s, Selena Gomez, —, Joey Akan, ‘, Burna, ’, Musa Keys, Boy, Istanbul's, Rema, Davido, Tina Davis, Olamide's, Angélique Kidjo, LeriQ, Nay, Mitego, Chika Anene, gatekeepers, Eric Wainaina, G’bemi Ereku, Nigeria —, Jhello, ” ___ Mureithi, Maria Sherman Organizations: FIFA, International Federation of, Phonographic Industry's, Spotify, Afrobeats Intelligence, UEFA Champions League, Pew Research, U.S . International Trade Administration, United, Afro Nation, AP Locations: ABUJA, Nigeria, Nigerian, Saharan Africa, African, South Africa, Africa, Tanzania, Abuja, Kenyan, Lagos, United States, Statista, Nairobi, Kenya, Johannesburg, Los Angeles

The women’s award finalists are 2023 World Cup winners Aitana Bonmatí and Jenni Hermoso of Spain, plus Linda Caicedo of Colombia. “The Best” awards represent FIFA’s version of the older and more prestigious Ballon d’Or prize. The awards ceremony at the Hammersmith Apollo theater in west London includes men's and women's awards for best coach, best goalkeeper and the Puskas Award for best goal. Messi, Mbappé and Haaland also comprised the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or award, which Messi won for an eighth time in October. The women’s eligibility period covered performances from Aug. 1, 2022 through the World Cup final last August.

Persons: —, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Aitana Bonmatí, Jenni Hermoso, Linda Caicedo, “, Puskas, Messi, Mbappé, Haaland, Spain’s, Bonmatí, Ballon d’Or, Spain's Alexia Putellas, ___ Organizations: Ballon, Hammersmith Apollo, Messi’s, Mbappe’s, England, Barcelona, Spanish, Champions League, FIFA Locations: Spain, Colombia, London, Messi’s Argentina, Mbappe’s France, Qatar, Sydney, Australia

☆ Copa América 2024: CONMEBOL announces 14 host cities as tournament returns to the US
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-05 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —CONMEBOL, South America’s soccer federation, has announced the 14 cities that will host matches at the 2024 Copa América as the tournament returns to the United States for the first time since 2016. Ecuador was originally designated as the tournament host but pulled out in November 2022 due to economic and security concerns, as well as a lack of viable stadiums. CONMEBOL has encountered obstacles in hosting the last three editions of the Copa América held in South America. Now, for the third edition in a row, the host nation has been changed after the US took over organizing duties from Ecuador. Argentina won the postponed 2020 edition of the Copa América, which was moved to Brazil.

Persons: América, Atlanta United’s Mercedes, Michael Zarrilli, ” Ezequiel Fernández Moores, Copa América, Fernández Moores, Amanda Perobelli, ” Fernández Moores, “, Lionel Messi’s, Henry Romero, he’s, hasn’t, Messi, ” Sean Gregory, –, ” Organizations: CNN — CONMEBOL, Miami Gardens, Kansas City, Atlanta United’s, Benz, Copa América, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF –, Copa, Reuters, State, América, FIFA, USA, Canada, NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, US, National, Inter Miami, Host Chile, Copa America, –, Leagues, “, TIME, FIFA Club Locations: South, United States, Vegas, Arlington (, Charlotte, Orlando, Miami, Santa Clara, Atlanta, East Rutherford ( NJ, Houston, Austin, Inglewood, CA, Glendale, AZ, Kansas, South America, Ecuador, Peru, North America, Central America, Caribbean, American, America, Argentine, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Argentina, California, United, Mexico

☆ Lionel Messi says he is focused on playing at next year’s Copa América but doesn’t rule out appearing at 2026 World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-02 | by ( Issy Ronald | Benjamin Brown | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

All I’m thinking about today is getting to the Copa América and being able to play in it,” he said. “Then time will tell whether I’ll be at the World Cup or not. I’m going to be at an age (39) that normally doesn’t allow me to play in the World Cup. That victory, along with a 2021 Copa América trophy, came after international glory had eluded Argentina and Messi for years, as they lost three major finals in a row – the 2014 World Cup, 2015 Copa and 2016 Copa. “Maybe we’ll do well in the Copa América and everything will work out for me to continue.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Ballon, hasn’t, ”, I’ll, “, ” Messi, Messi, Megan Briggs Organizations: CNN, Copa América, ESPN, Argentina, Copa, France, Qatar, MLS, Inter Miami, Leagues, Messi Locations: USA, Argentina

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo walked off the field with the gleeful chants of “Messi, Messi, Messi!” ringing in his ears from delighted Al-Hilal fans who had just watched their Saudi Pro League team beat the Portugal superstar's Al-Nassr 3-0 in the Riyadh Derby on Friday. Saudi soccer has not been the same since the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward completed a move last December. Lots of people want to be like Cristiano Ronaldo but few want to work like Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo may have his work cut out to help his team win title No. 10 but, given his form so far this season, he may still have the last laugh with the Messi chants fading away.

Persons: — Cristiano Ronaldo, “ Messi, Messi, Al, Portugal superstar's, Ballon, — Aleksandar Mitrovic, Milinkovic, Savic, Hilal, Ronaldo, Cristiano, ”, Fahad, “ Al, Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, Alex Telles, “ Cristiano, ” Al, Luis Castro, Cristiano Ronaldo, ” Ronaldo, Mitrovic, Hilal’s, Germain, Neymar, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, Salem, Saleh Al, Shehri, Lionel Messi's, ___ Organizations: Saudi Pro League, Riyadh Derby, Serbian, Al, King Fahd International, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Fahad Al, Associated Press, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Paris Saint, English Premier League, Saudi Arabian Locations: RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Riyadh, Saudi Arabian, Saudi, Al, Hilal, Asia, Paris, Brazil, Lionel Messi's Argentina, cryptocurrency

☆ Alejandro Garnacho scores ‘beautiful’ bicycle kick for Manchester United
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-27 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The moment was over in a flash, but Alejandro Garnacho’s stunning bicycle kick goal against Everton on Sunday will be remembered for decades to come. The 19-year-old’s acrobatic effort set Manchester United on the path to a 3-0 victory, but all the talk after the full-time whistle was about that goal. The Manchester United youngster could barely believe what he had done as he, along with millions around the world, celebrated one of the best goals in the club’s history. After Sunday’s stunning effort, the Argentine international has also drawn comparisons with another Manchester United great, Wayne Rooney. That was the most beautiful overhead kick,” he said on the Gary Neville Podcast.

Persons: Alejandro Garnacho’s, Diogo Dalot, Jordan Pickford, ” Garnacho, I’ve, Garnacho, Ballon d’Or, Cristiano Ronaldo, Siu, Wayne Rooney, Erik ten Hag, Wayne Rooney's, Martin Rickett, Hag, Ronaldo, Rooney, “, he’s, Manchester, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, “ I’ve, ” Organizations: CNN, Everton, Manchester United, Sky Sports, Real Madrid, Juventus, Argentine, Manchester City, Manchester United’s, Galatasaray, Champions League Locations: Manchester

☆ Luis Díaz inspires Colombia to emotional victory as his father watches from stands after kidnap release
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Luis Díaz scored two goals to help Colombia stun Brazil in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday, as his father watched on from the stands just a week after being released by kidnappers. On October 28, Díaz Sr. was abducted along with his wife, Cilenis Marulanda, by ELN gunmen in his hometown of Barrancas, northeastern Colombia. Marulanda was rescued later that day, but Díaz Sr. was handed over just under two weeks later to a mixed commission of UN personnel and Catholic priests on Thursday in nearby city Valledupar. Footage once again showed Díaz Sr. passionately celebrating with tears in his eyes. The five-time World Cup champion has now slipped to fifth in the qualifying standings, with Colombia up to third.

Persons: CNN — Luis Díaz, Luis Manuel Díaz, Díaz, Cilenis, Marulanda, Gabriel Martinelli, Allison, Luis Díaz, Juan Barreto, “ I’m, ” Díaz, –, Ronald Araújo, Darwin, Lionel Messi, Ballon, “, ” Messi, TyC Organizations: CNN, Estadio Metropolitano, UN, Liverpool, Brazil, Getty, BBC Sport, Messi’s, TyC Sports, Reuters, “, ”, FIFA Locations: Colombia, Brazil, Barrancas, Valledupar, Barranquilla, Brazilian, AFP, Messi’s Argentina, Argentina, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, ” Argentina

And with that, Inter Miami got to celebrate the game's greatest player one more time in 2023. He embraced Garber, Inter Miami owners Jorge and Jose Mas, then hoisted the trophy as the crowd roared. Political Cartoons View All 1240 Images“You, Inter Miami fans, have the best player who's ever played the game,” Garber said. “He’s the main star of this match and we want to join him celebrating his eighth Ballon D’Or,” Inter Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said. But eight Ballon D’Or trophies sure swing the argument Messi’s way.

Persons: — Lionel Messi, Messi, —, Messi —, Don Garber, Garber, Jorge, Jose Mas, ” Messi, “, ”, who's, ” Garber, Ballon, Leo, Gerardo “ Tata ” Martino, NYCFC, “ You’ve, hadn’t, ” Martino, Michael Jordan, LeBron James ., Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky, Benjamin Cremaschi, “ He’s, I’ve Organizations: Inter Miami, Major League Soccer, New York City FC, MLS, ” Inter Miami, Inter, Argentina, Uruguay, U.S, CONCACAF, Soccer, Barcelona Locations: FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla, Paris, China, Miami, Argentina, Buenos Aires, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, men’s

☆ Erling Haaland reluctantly gives jersey to Young Boys’ captain at halftime of Man City’s Champions League rout
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( Manav Tanneeru | Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Everyone wants a piece of Erling Haaland at the moment and that sentiment seems to extend to Manchester City’s opposition. At halftime of City’s 3-0 win against Young Boys in the Champions League group stage on Tuesday, Haaland was asked for his shirt by opposition captain Mohamed Ali Camara. When asked about the incident during his post-match press conference, Young Boys manager Raphael Wicky said he was “surprised.”“I didn’t see that. Haaland, 23, has now scored 39 goals in just 34 Champions League appearances and already sits 20th in the all-time scoring list. He is also on the verge of breaking the record for fewest appearances to reach 40 goals in the Champions League.

Persons: Erling Haaland, Haaland, Mohamed Ali Camara, City, Phil Foden, Raphael Wicky, ”, I’m, “, Camara, Pep Guardiola, It’s, ” Guardiola, Carl Recine, Ballon d’Or, I’d, Ally McCoist, Ruud van Nistelrooy Organizations: CNN, Young Boys, Champions League, Manchester City, Reuters Young Boys, Bournemouth, Scotland, TNT Sports, League, RB Leipzig Locations: Manchester, Camara, Swiss, Norwegian

☆ Endrick: 17-year-old Real Madrid-bound sensation earns milestone Brazil national team selection
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( Manav Tanneeru | Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —17-year-old Real Madrid-bound sensation Endrick has earned a milestone call up to the senior Brazil men’s national team. Interim Canarinha head coach Fernando Diniz announced his squad on Monday for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup qualifier later this month and revealed that the uncapped Endrick will feature in the national team for the first time. In doing so, the Palmeiras breakout star became the youngest player to get a senior Seleção call-up since iconic striker Ronaldo Nazario in 1994. Ronaldo – nicknamed O Fenômeno – is considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time and won the World Cup twice with Brazil. The top six teams automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup which is being hosted in the US, Canada and Mexico, while the seventh-placed nation must go through a play-off to reach international soccer’s showpiece competition.

Persons: Endrick, Fernando Diniz, Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldo –, “, ” Diniz, It’s, Ricardo Moreira, Ronaldo, Ballon d’Or, Pedro, Atlético Mineiro’s, Neymar, Éder Militão Organizations: CNN, Brazil men’s, Interim, Palmeiras, Real Madrid, Brazilian, Corinthians, Brazil, Brighton, Hove Albion’s, Argentina, South Locations: Real Madrid, Brazil, Real, Spain, Qatar, Hove, Porto, Pepê, Colombia, Baranquilla, Rio de Janeiro, Canada, Mexico

Inter Miami announced Wednesday that its planned trip to China for a pair of exhibition matches has been called off. Political Cartoons View All 1227 Images“The tour promoter, NSN, has informed Inter Miami CF of the cancellation of its China Tour due to unforeseen circumstances in China,” read Inter Miami's statement. Messi returned to the U.S. early Tuesday after winning the Ballon d'Or and was with Inter Miami for a training session that morning. He remains under contract to Inter Miami for the 2024 and 2025 MLS seasons, making between $50 million and $60 million annually. He and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham have enormous followings in Asia, along with several endorsement deals in the region.

Persons: — Lionel Messi, Messi, Ballon, —, Li Keqiang, ”, “, NSN, Messi's ballyhooed, — hasn’t, David Beckham Organizations: Inter Miami, Argentina, TyC, Inter Miami CF, “ Inter, Inter Miami's, Major League Soccer, —, Australia, Olympic, Beijing Games Locations: FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla, China, Argentina, U.S, Beijing, Asia

☆ 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

☆ Lionel Messi Wins Eighth Ballon D’Or as Soccer’s Best Player
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( Victor Mather | More About Victor Mather | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious individual soccer award of the year, rewards the best player over a 12-month period. But Lionel Messi essentially won it in just about a month late last year. Rather it was his performance in helping carry Argentina last December to its first World Cup since 1986. He won the tournament’s most valuable player award as well. That performance more or less locked up the Ballon d’Or 11 months before it was handed to him.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Aitana, Germain Organizations: Messi, Inter Miami, Major League Soccer, Spanish, France, Ballon, Paris St, Miami Locations: Barcelona, Miami, Argentina, Paris

Even, as it turns out, his Inter Miami teammates. He was the captain for Inter Miami to start this season. He’s making somewhere between $50 million and $60 million per season with Inter Miami, and the revenue streams are making that possible. “And then I will come back again, preseason, start from scratch and prepare for the best possible outcomes as always.”Everything is different for Inter Miami now. It was a ride like none other for Inter Miami this season, and the club knows 2024 will be another whirlwind.

Persons: — Lionel Messi, Messi, ” Yedlin, He’s, —, Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland, “, Ballon d’Or, ”, Guardiola, Germain, Jordi Alba, They’re, “ I’ll, ” Messi, — Messi, Alba, Sergio Busquets —, Gerardo “ Tata ” Martino, ” Martino, — Luis Suarez, “ I’ve, I’ve, Drake Callender Organizations: Inter Miami, Premier League, U.S, Major League Soccer, Manchester City, Messi, Barcelona, Paris Saint, MLS, Leagues, Inter, Apple, CONCACAF, ”, Argentina, ” Inter Miami Locations: FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla, Florida, Paris, Miami, China, Argentina, Uruguayan, North America

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