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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.

☆ Magical Messi hoists World Cup after final for the ages
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Ossian Shine | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

He smiled, he paused, then he hoisted high the World Cup, a lifetime’s dream realised. "It's madness... look how she (the World Cup) is, she's gorgeous. "We suffer, but we already have it (the World Cup)," Messi said. Eight years ago in a World Cup final in Rio de Janeiro, Messi had been muted, not magical and had seemed wearied by the weight of expectation as Argentina fell in the final to Germany. He has won a Copa America, 11 league titles, four Champions League titles, three Club World Cups and three UEFA Super Cups.

☆ Magical Messi saves his best for last in Qatar
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Andrew Cawthorne | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Dec 16 (Reuters) - As if he had not made enough fairy-tales, Argentina's little genius Lionel Messi has saved the potentially most magical script for his last World Cup - with one line left to write. After scoring a penalty to send Argentine fans into delirium, the usually impeccably-behaved Messi ran towards the Dutch bench cupping his ears in a provocative gesture. Though some pundits criticized him for disrespect, Argentine fans were largely delighted at the Maradona-like flashes of defiance from the introverted Messi. All that is missing in the Messi story is a World Cup. Carry it in your heart because that is more important than a World Cup and you've already won that, thanks Captain."

☆ Scaloni heads into final as the coach who made Messi and Argentina smile again
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"He can't even direct traffic, how come he will direct the national team. They have since created a bond that has allowed a rejuvenated Messi to enjoy his best years with the national team. It was that which arguably gave them the foundation to regroup after their shock loss to Saudi Arabia in their World Cup opener. Representing my country is an emotional thing," Scaloni told reporters after Argentina swept past Croatia 3-0 in their World Cup semi-final. Thanks to Scaloni's acumen, Argentina are on the brink of glory - and while Messi will claim the attention, his coach deserves his share of the plaudits.

☆ 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.

☆ World Cup 2022: How Qataris have reacted to tournament on home soil
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-13 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Reem Al-Haddad still remembers how excited she felt when Qatar won the right to host the 2022 World Cup. “The World Cup has almost always been in Western nations. The report did not connect all 6,500 deaths with World Cup infrastructure projects and has not been independently verified by CNN. She still remembers watching the 2002 World Cup from home, cheering on Italy before it was knocked out by host South Korea in the round of 16. “That person who watched the World Cup behind the screen never believed that she would actually get to experience it in real life,” she added.

☆ Argentina have worked out where to hurt Croatia - Scaloni
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Argentina will trust their system when they face Croatia in the World Cup semi-finals and believe they have worked out how to hurt the 2018 runners-up, coach Lionel Scaloni said on Monday. I won't mention the key players or their strengths and weaknesses but we've analysed where we can hurt them. "He's a role model for so many of us - not just because of his talent but also his behaviour," Scaloni said. ARGENTINA CRITICISMScaloni was also asked about the criticism directed at Argentina after their players' "unsporting behaviour" following their shootout win over the Netherlands. "The previous game was played the way we had to play... that's football.

☆ Messi's World Cup chase takes centre stage in quarter-final clash
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DOHA, Dec 7 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi's hopes of winning an elusive World Cup will come up against the tactical scheming of veteran coach Louis van Gaal as Argentina face the Netherlands in Friday’s quarter-final at Lusail. Messi can expect little in the way of sympathy from the 71-year-old Van Gaal, who is determined to give the Dutch their first World Cup title after runners-up finishes in 1974, 1978 and 2010. Messi can expect vocal support from Argentine fans in Qatar, who are set to vastly outnumber their orange-clad Dutch counterparts. On the losing side against Germany in the 2014 final, where Argentina failed to add to World Cup triumphs in 1978 and 1986, Messi was grateful for the support. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is still sweating on the fitness of Angel di Maria, who missed the Australia game due to a left thigh injury but returned to training on Tuesday.

☆ Ambivalent Argentines want to be Messi but are more Maradona - author
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( Lucila Sigal | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

BUENOS AIRES, Dec 3 (Reuters) - Argentines aspire to be like clean-living Lionel Messi but in reality are more like flawed rebel Diego Maradona, an author says, as comparisons between the two great No. 10s become a dominant talking point of the Qatar World Cup. But only a World Cup would give him Maradona's stature. "People demand more from Messi because he's come on the scene to compete with and rival Maradona. "But unfortunately he needs to win here because in Argentina winning is what counts.

For years, Argentine fans said that no matter how many Ballons d'Or and trophies Messi won with Barcelona, he could never match Maradona until he too lifted a World Cup. EMOTIONAL MESSIMany of the banners show Messi and Maradona together, some depicting the late No. And Messi himself has opened up emotionally to rally the team and nation after their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia. "For me, Messi has always felt and done his all for the national team, from his first game until now. "Messi has suffered from being a venerated star in Barcelona but often under attack here in Argentina."

☆ Saudi Arabia in the mix for last 16 ahead of Mexico clash
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Shady Amir | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

In their five previous participations, Saudi Arabia have qualified for the round of 16 only once, on their debut at the tournament in 1994. In Qatar, Poland lead Group C on four points, one ahead of Argentina and Saudi Arabia, while Mexico are on one point. If Saudi Arabia want to progress they will have to beat Mexico, regardless of the outcome of the match between Poland and Argentina. "Qatar is Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia is Qatar. Mexico need to beat Saudi Arabia by at least a three-goal margin, with Poland not losing to Argentina.

☆ Messi dances night away after keeping World Cup storyline alive
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Andrew Cawthorne | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Though in truth they laboured in the first half against a mediocre Mexico team, they celebrated as if they had won the World Cup itself. After scoring the first goal against Mexico, his second of Argentina's three at the tournament, Messi charged towards fans screaming in joy. Many in fact show the two together, arm-in-arm or Maradona looking beatifically down on Messi from heaven. Should Messi go all the way, he will of course directly match Maradona, who led Argentina to a famous 1986 World Cup win including his famous "Hand of God" and best-ever tournament goals against England en route. Even Messi looked slow and made basic errors prior to scoring against Mexico and relaxing into the player everyone knows.

☆ Odds-on favorite Brazil face strong Serbia in World Cup opener
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DOHA, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Brazil are keeping their cards close to their chest under the spotlight of being the odds-on favorites as they prepare to face Serbia in their World Cup Group G opener on Thursday. The pressure is on as Brazil aim for a record extending sixth title with a squad loaded with talent but full of young players, with 16 of them making their World Cup debut. Paring the young guns with an in-form Neymar have made Brazil a juggernaut, winning 37 of the 50 games played since their 2018 World Cup quarter-finals loss to Belgium in Russia. They conceded 19 goals in this World Cup cycle, finishing 33 of those 50 matches with a clean sheet. Serbia have never moved past the group stages at the World Cup since the breakup of Yugoslavia but will be looking to seize momentum in a strong Group G that also includes Switzerland and Cameroon.

☆ Messi feeling fit ahead of 'special' last World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( Anita Kobylinska | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The 35-year-old, who in Qatar will be playing his fifth World Cup, added that he did not prepare differently for the tournament which for the first time is being played in November and December. "It's a beautiful thing that many people outside Argentina want us to be champions and that it's largely because of me," Messi said. "I'm grateful for the love I've received around the world during my career, and here in Qatar it's another example of that. "It makes us work in a different way, without anxiety about the national team and its results, and enjoying ourselves." Argentina kick off their World Cup campaign with a Group C opener against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and will then face Mexico and Poland.

☆ World Cup guide: Teams and players to watch
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-20 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Doha, Qatar CNN —In just over 24 hours, Qatar 2022 will burst into life as the host nation takes on Ecuador in the opening game of the World Cup. Tournament favoritesOnly eight nations have ever won the men’s World Cup, many of which are among the favorites this time around. After being knocked out by England in the Euro 2020 semifinals, the team waltzed through World Cup qualification, winning nine of its 10 matches and conceding only three goals. In addition to making its World Cup debut, Qatar is a relatively unknown quantity with most of its players spending their careers in the nation’s top league. He will be an important player in Japan’s World Cup campaign and has already been dubbed the ‘Japanese Lionel Messi’ back home.

☆ Injured Dybala named in Argentina's 26-man World Cup squad
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Nov 11 (Reuters) - Injured forward Paulo Dybala made the cut as Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni named on Friday his 26-man squad for the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 World Cup in Qatar, where Lionel Messi will lead the side. Dybala has not played for his club AS Roma since early October but has been named in the squad as Argentina hope he regains his fitness before their World Cup campaign begins on Nov. 22 against Group C opponents Saudi Arabia. Messi, 35, will be playing in his fifth World Cup and will be accompanied by fellow veterans Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi along with fresh faces who helped Argentina win the Copa America title last year. Dreams do come true, let's go Argentina," Paredes, who did not make the final cut for the 2018 World Cup, said on Instagram. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, one of Argentina's heroes at the Copa America last year, will also be making his World Cup debut this year.

☆ Brazil's top footballers lean toward Bolsonaro in polarized race
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-23 | by ( Gabriel Araujo | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

In a country where evangelical churches have made major inroads in poorer communities, eroding the Catholic majority, many footballers wear their evangelical faith on their sleeve. "There is this slogan that I love," Alves said, using a stock Bolsonaro phrase: "Brazil above everything, God above all." Bolsonaro lost the first round to his leftist challenger Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva by a tighter-than-expected margin, setting up an Oct. 30 runoff. The outpouring on social media bolstered the growing anecdotal evidence that many of Brazil's most prominent soccer players now lean to the right. Top footballers' embrace of Bolsonaro has jibed with a growing tradition among conservative Brazilians who don the national team's famous yellow jersey in street demonstrations, as Bolsonaro himself has done occasionally.

☆ Argentina fear no one at World Cup, says Messi
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 21 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi says Argentina to not fear any team at the World Cup but he urged fans to stay calm with the tournament in Qatar less than a month away. Copa America champions Argentina, unbeaten in 35 games since 2019, were drawn with Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland in Group C as they look to win their first World Cup title since 1986. "Today we are doing well and people are excited and think that we will come back with the Cup, but it is not like that," Argentina captain Messi told broadcaster Directv Sports. Argentina began their 2018 World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Iceland - a game in which Messi missed a penalty - and finished second in their group before being knocked out by eventual winners France in the last 16. "Last World Cup, we started with a draw and I've always said that if I had scored the penalty and we had won it we would have changed the whole story."

☆ Messi names France and Brazil as favourites to win World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MEXICO CITY, Oct 18 (Reuters) - Argentina captain Lionel Messi has said defending champions France and Brazil are the favourites to win the World Cup in Qatar as they have a core group of players who have played together for a long time. Messi said Brazil, Germany, France, England and Spain are always labelled favourites to win but the 35-year-old forward feels France and Brazil are the best two teams going into the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 tournament. "We always say the same great teams ... but, if I have to choose, Brazil and France are the two great candidates to win the World Cup," Messi told DIRECTV Sports. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register"They've had the same group (of players) for a long time, working well. France, aside from the last Euros when they were eliminated (in the last 16) and did badly, they have some impressive players.

☆ In land of Maradona and Messi, fans jostle for World Cup stickers
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-20 | by ( Lucila Sigal | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

In the birthplace of soccer legends Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, signs in some shop windows read "no more stickers or albums", referring to the 2022 collectible sticker albums ahead of the November tournament in Qatar. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register"It's frustrating not being able to find any," said Exequiel Claverie, a 38-year-old media professional and father of three children who are fans of local club River Plate. "I arrive home every day to (my children) saying: 'Hey dad, did you buy stickers?' Sticker manufacturer Italy's Panini says this year many adults are also collecting stickers, adding to demand. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Lucila Sigal; Editing by Nicolas Misculin, Adam Jourdan and Aurora EllisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Surpriză? Cine e acum favorit pentru câștigarea Balonului de Aur, după ce Mbappe și Kante au fost eliminați de la EURO 2020
▼ + stars: | 2021-07-05 | by ( ) www.jurnal.md time to read: +2 min

Cine e acum favorit pentru câștigarea Balonului de Aur, după ce Mbappe și Kante au fost eliminați de la EURO 2020Balonul de Aur nu a fost acordat în 2020, din cauza pandemiei de coronavirus, iar acum microbiştii abia aşteaptă să afle cine va fi marele câştigător în 2021. Atacantul de 34 de ani are prestații excelente la Copa America, unde a reușit patru goluri și a contribuit decisiv la calificarea Argentinei în semifinalele Competiției. Bookmakerii îl văd cu prima șansă la câștigarea Balonului de Aur, cu o cotă de 3,25. Kylian Mbappe și N'Golo Kante, văzuți printre favoriții de la ediția din acest an, au cota în creștere, după ce Franța a părăsit EURO 2020. Cotele pentru câștigarea Balonului de Aur 2021:Lionel Messi - 3.25Harry Kane - 5Kylian Mbappe - 7Robert Lewandowski - 7N'Golo Kante - 7Cristiano Ronaldo - 7Raheem Sterling - 11Kevin De Bruyne - 13

Persons: Lionel Messi, Bookmakerii, Messi, Harry Kane, Tottenham, Englezului, Kylian, Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski, Kane, Robert, Kevin Organizations: America, Copa, EURO Locations: Barcelona, Argentinei, Spaniei, Argentina, Ucraina, Franța

☆ Balonul de Aur are un nou favorit. Lionel Messi este cotat cu prima șansă la trofeu
▼ + stars: | 2021-07-04 | by ( Publika.Md - Aici Sunt Știrile | ) www.publika.md time to read: +1 min

Balonul de Aur are un nou favorit. După eliminarea prematură a naționalei Franței de la Campionatul European, Kylian Mbappe și N’Golo Kante nu mai sunt în fruntea listei de candidați pentru trofeul acordat de revista France Football.Mai nou, Lionel Messi este considerat favorit la casele de pariuri, după prestațiile impresionante la turneul Copa America, acolo unde liderul selecționatei Argentinei și-a dus echipa până în semifinale. În 5 meciuri, Leo a înscris patru goluri și a dat patru pase decisive.La FC Barcelona, în sezonul trecut, Messi a jucat 47 de meciuri și a marcat 38 de goluri, dar a cucerit un singur trofeu – Cupa Spaniei.Al doilea favorit în cursa pentru Balonul de Aur este acum Harry Kane, atacantul reprezentativei Angliei, care a înscris trei goluri la Euro 2020 și va evolua cu reprezentativa sa în semifinale. La Tottenham Hotspur, Kane a bifat 49 de partide și a punctat de 33 de ori în sezonul precedent.Messi și Kane sunt urmați în top de Robert Lewandowski, Kylian Mbappe, N’Golo Kante și Cristiano Ronaldo.Balonul de Aur se acordă la sfârșitul fiecărui an în baza voturilor jurnaliștilor, căpitanilor și antrenorilor echipelor naționale. Lionel Messi deține recordul absolut – el a obținut acest trofeu de 6 ori.Anul trecut, Balonul de Aur nu a fost acordat, din cauza pandemiei de coronavirus.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Leo, Messi, Harry Kane, Tottenham, Kane, Robert Lewandowski, Cristiano Organizations: European, America, FC Barcelona, Euro Locations: Franței, Argentinei, Angliei

☆ Argentina s-a calificat în semifinalele turneului Copa America
▼ + stars: | 2021-07-04 | by ( Publika.Md - Aici Sunt Știrile | ) www.publika.md time to read: +1 min

Lionel Messi continuă goana după primul lui trofeu cu echipa națională. Argentina s-a calificat în semifinalele turneului Copa America, reușind să învingă Ecuadorul cu 3-0.Selecționata „albiceleste” a deschis scorul în minutul 40, prin Rodrigo De Paul, care a profitat de pasa lui Messi. Scorul s-a păstrat până în ultimele zece minute ale partidei, când argentinienii au mai înscris de două ori. Mai întâi, Messi a profitat de o eroare a defensivei adverse și i-a pasat decisiv lui Lautaro Martinez, iar apoi a marcat și el, cu un șut din lovitură liberă.În semifinale, Argentina o va întâlni pe Columbia. Timpul regulamentar al meciului s-a încheiat fără goluri, iar în seria de departajare, columbienii s-au impus cu 4-2.În cealaltă semifinală, vor juca Peru și gazda turneului Copa America, Brazilia, care este și deținătoarea trofeului.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Rodrigo, Paul, Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Columbia, Reinaldo, columbienii Organizations: națională, America Locations: Argentina, Peru, America, Brazilia

☆ Echipa națională de fotbal a Braziliei s-a calificat cu greu în semifinalele Copei America
▼ + stars: | 2021-07-03 | by ( Publika.Md - Aici Sunt Știrile | ) www.publika.md time to read: +1 min

Echipa națională de fotbal a Braziliei s-a calificat cu greu în semifinalele Copei America, competiție pe care o găzduiește. Deținătoarea trofeului a ratat câteva ocazii bune de gol în prima parte a întâlnirii, dar a marcat abia după pauză. În această fază a turneului, discipolii lui Tite vor întâlni reprezentativa statului Peru. De menționat că Peru a condus cu 2-1 și 3-2, însă formația antrenată de Eduardo Berizzo a revenit de fiecare dată. În celelalte partide din sferturile de finală ale turneului Copa America, Argentina va întâlni Ecuadorul, iar Columbia va da piept cu Uruguay.

Persons: Lucas Paqueta, Gabriel Jesus, Tite, Eduardo Berizzo Organizations: națională, fotbal, America Locations: Braziliei, America, Chile, Brazilia, Peru, Paraguay, Argentina, Columbia, Uruguay

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