The “Messi of matadors” has been gored by a bull, reported The Telegraph. Andres Roca Rey, a “darling of the Spanish media” was hospitalised with severe bruising after the incident with the half-ton bull. The animal, which had already been stabbed several times in the back with banderillas, tossed Roca Rey in the air “like a doll” before “crushing him into the red-cushioned barrier”, said the paper. In an interview in 2021, the Spaniard compared the relationship with a bull to that between lovers.

Pink burgers released for Barbie

Burger King in Brazil is offering pink burgers to coincide with the “Barbie” movie. In a tweet, the company showcased the new limited edition Pink Burger, which features a smokey dragonfruit pink sauce, cheese, bacon and a beef patty served on a brioche bun, French fries served in a Barbie-themed container, and a pink Barbie Donut Shake. Canoe noted other gimmicks, including in Thailand, where the chain has released an all-cheese burger that contains nothing but a stack of American cheese between two buns.

California cops turn into shepherds

US Police “put their shepherding skills to the test” when they were called to round up a herd of goats that escaped their enclosure and “took over a neighbourhood”, said UPI. After the Shea Drive area in California was overrun with escaped goats, the animals were rounded up and returned to their enclosure. The escape took place the same day the Bay Area Rapid Transit announced it would be replacing its herd of fire mitigation goats with a flock of sheep, noted the outlet.

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A victory parade for the World Cup-winning Argentina men’s football team had to be cut short after millions of people gathered to celebrate in central Buenos Aires.

The Argentina squad, who won the World Cup on Sunday for the first time since 1986 after beating France in a penalty shoot-out, began a “planned eight-hour journey” to celebrate with the public, said the BBC. The bus parade began at the Argentine Football Association (AFA) training complex around 20 miles outside of the capital and was meant to end at the Obelisk monument in Plaza de la República in the city centre.

There was a “sea of colour” awaiting the players, with “the majority of the jubilant fans” decked out in the national light blue and white colours. Local sources estimated that four million people had gathered on the streets of Buenos Aires.

The open-top bus had been “moving slowly for more than four hours” before authorities took the decision to cancel the parade over safety fears, said Sky News. The players then returned to the AFA complex before taking a helicopter ride along the route to see the crowds.

Social media videos showed fans attempting to jump on the bus from bridges as it passed through. South American football journalist Tim Vickery, who was in Buenos Aires, told Sky News that he thought “it could go disastrously wrong” before the parade was cancelled.

Following the decision, some fans clashed with riot police who “were sent in to disperse the crowds”, said Metro. Local medical services confirmed a number of non-fatal injuries, while one person died after falling through a roof. A five-year-old boy suffered a serious head injury and remains in a coma after a “piece of marble fell from a monument in Plaza San Martin”, the paper reported.

Jubilant fans crowded into the Plaza de la República in central Buenos Aires as they waited to celebrate with the victorious national team.

The players, who arrived back from Qatar on Tuesday morning, celebrated on top of the bus before the parade was abandoned. They then were able to witness the throngs of supporters by helicopter later in the day.

Lionel Messi, widely touted as one of football’s greatest-ever players, led the Argentina team to victory in his fifth and final World Cup finals, beating France 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out.

While crowds were waiting for the players in the centre of the capital, the bus was unable to make significant progress with so many people on the streets.

While some fans climbed lamp-posts and on to roofs to catch a better glimpse of the players, the majority were decked out in the light blue and white national colours. Victorious captain Messi was pictured on banners and flags alongside Argentina’s last World Cup-winning captain, Diego Maradona.

Temperatures reached around 30 degrees in the middle of the day as fans waited hours on the streets to see the players before the parade was abruptly cancelled.

Riot police were deployed later in the day after the parade was cancelled. Video footage shows some of those remaining in central Buenos Aires clashing with police.

Twelve years after being awarded the Middle East’s first Fifa World Cup, host nation Qatar is revelling in the aftermath of a classic finale, which culminated in Argentina captain Lionel Messi finally landing the biggest prize in football.

Held on the Gulf state’s national day, the match between Argentina and France will ultimately go down in history as the greatest final of all time. Fans were left bewildered by the action on the pitch at the Lusail Stadium, but the “other” side of this World Cup, the off-field controversies, will remain a huge talking point.

Qatar spent $6.5bn on stadiums and facilities and $200bn on infrastructure in order to host the “unlikeliest World Cup ever”, said Andrew England in the FT. But ever since it was awarded the tournament by Fifa in 2010, “ceaseless questions” have been asked about the “morality” of the decision.

Moved to winter because of the country’s climate and blighted by allegations of corruption, there were also concerns expressed about Qatar’s lack of media freedom, its anti-gay laws and its lack of football heritage. Most of all, though, there has been intense scrutiny of the deaths and injuries of migrant workers used for its World Cup mega-projects.

Qatar is the big World Cup winner

The real winner of this World Cup is not Argentina, the “upstart” semi-finalists Morocco, the “otherworldly” French hat-trick hero Kylian Mbappé, or the “legendary” Messi, said Jules Boykoff and Dave Zirin in The Nation.

The champion is Qatar, “and they didn’t have to win a match”. The host nation looks to have successfully – “with the West’s full complicity” – engaged in “brazen sportswashing”, earning plaudits and envy from authoritarians the world over. Qatar “executed its sportswash brilliantly”, and “despots” – and those “aspiring to be such tyrants” – are “noticing the dividends the country is reaping”. Even sportswashing that costs more than $200bn “appears to be money well spent”.

This World Cup “has delivered” for Qatar, said Sam Wallace in The Telegraph. Representatives of the “most powerful states in the world” have attended this tournament – and the world “now knows Qatar exists”. This is what “Big Football” can do for a nation.

Qatar “isn’t alone in crafting this game plan” though, said Daniel Rouse on The Score. Its Gulf neighbours are also “trying to boost their respective images” through sports, and money “isn’t much of an obstacle” in a region where fossil fuels were discovered throughout the 20th century.

After the Winter Olympics in Beijing and the World Cup in Qatar, “the Year of Sportswashing comes to an end”, said Scott Stinson in the Toronto Sun. The big question now is how long before Fifa does it again?

Saudi Arabia is rumoured to be “leading a potential joint bid” for the 2030 World Cup and that particular kingdom “has not been subtle about splashing around its wealth on sporting ventures”. It’s “not hard to imagine” the Saudis deciding that they want a “gleaming new 80,000-seat stadium” in Riyadh to host a World Cup final and it’s not hard to imagine that Fifa, “which is no one’s idea of a model for ethical governance”, would at least be “receptive to the idea”.

‘Two adopted sons’ star in a classic

There has “always been two World Cups” at Qatar 2022, said Barney Ronay in The Guardian. First, “the one Qatar built out of human wastage”, the one that has held “a mirror up not only to the depravity of big sport”, but to a global labour market that “drives migrant workers into lucrative near-captivity” – a system Qatar did not create, which it has “simply embodied with manic hypercompetence”. Then there is the “other World Cup”, the spectacle that brings “joy and drama”, and that “feeling of collectivism”. And which Messi’s brilliance has “elevated into one of the great sporting stories”.

Billed as “Messi vs. Mbappé”, this was the “dream World Cup final” for Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, said Jesús Mata in Spanish newspaper Marca. The duo are team-mates at Paris Saint-Germain, a club that has been owned by Qatar Sports Investments since 2011.

In the final, which ended 3-3 after extra-time before Argentina’s 4-2 triumph on penalties, Messi scored two and Mbappé scored three in a match full of end-to-end action. As well as lifting the trophy for the first time in his career, while dressed in a traditional Arab robe, Messi was also awarded the golden ball for the tournament’s best player. Mbappé, already a World Cup winner in 2018 with France, took home the golden boot for top goalscorer after his eight at Qatar 2022. It was a small consolation for scoring the first World Cup final hat-trick since Geoff Hurst’s for England in 1966.

So, “it turns out you can buy football history”, said James Olley on ESPN. With the “two adopted sons” of Qatari-owned PSG at the “epicentre of a pulsating, breathless 120 minutes”, it really could not have been “scripted more perfectly” for the host nation.

It all comes down to one last game in Qatar – the holders France against Argentina in the 2022 Fifa World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. With two of the world’s best players in opposition on Sunday, it promises to be an exciting clash for the neutrals, but a nerve-wracking one for fans of the respective finalists.

Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina team started their Qatar 2022 campaign with a shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia, but 2-0 victories over Mexico and Poland ensured that they qualified as group C winners. In the knockouts La Albiceleste beat Australia 2-1 in the round of 16, the Netherlands on penalties in the quarter-finals, and Croatia 3-0 in the semi-final.

Didier Deschamps’s France won their two opening group D games – 4-1 against Australia and 2-1 against Denmark – and although they lost 1-0 to Tunisia, Les Bleus qualified as group winners. France beat Poland 3-1 in the round of 16, England 2-1 in the quarter-finals, and Morocco 2-0 in the semi-finals.

Both nations are aiming for their third World Cup win. France were triumphant at Russia 2018 and on home soil in 1998, while Argentina won at Mexico 1986 and on home soil in 1978.

Messi vs. Mbappé: a ‘dream final’ for Qatar

Argentina’s Lionel Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappé have lit up Qatar 2022 and they will go head-to-head for a possible World Cup triple: winning the trophy, the golden boot for top goalscorer and the golden ball for the tournament’s best player. With five goals apiece, Messi leads the golden boot race having provided three assists compared to Mbappé’s two.

Rivals on the international stage, the duo are club team-mates at Paris Saint-Germain and form two-thirds of the “M-N-M” attack, along with Brazil’s Neymar. As well as the team trophy and individual awards at stake on Sunday, there’s also the bragging rights for when they return to the French capital. Messi vs. Mbappé is the “dream World Cup final” for Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, said Jesús Mata in Spanish newspaper Marca. PSG have been owned by Qatar Sports Investments since 2011.

The final represents different scenarios for the two No.10s. Mbappé, 23, is aiming for a second World Cup winners’ medal having starred for Les Bleus in Russia four years ago. Meanwhile, Argentina captain Messi, 35, has played in five World Cups for his country, but has never won the trophy. Having already broken Argentina’s all-time World Cup goals tally with his 11th, a penalty against Croatia, he is set to add another record this weekend. Barring a late injury, Messi will make history on Sunday by appearing for a men’s record 26th time in the World Cup – in what will be his last World Cup match.

This World Cup final “could be one for the ages”, said Phil McNulty on BBC Sport. And on the evidence of what we have seen in Qatar so far, “it is too close to call”. The result could even come down to “one moment of genius” from the two players “most likely to provide it”.

Messi? Deschamps only bothered by one objective

French boss Deschamps is aiming to become just the “second manager to win successive World Cups”, said the BBC. He was asked about the “will for Messi to win” his final World Cup game and whether if it had left him feeling “alone in the world”. The 54-year-old replied that he was “fine being alone” and that “doesn’t bother me”.

“I don’t have any particular worries or stress about the game,” he added. “When you prepare for a game like this you need to keep your focus, remain composed, but, of course, in a World Cup final especially you have the match and the whole context behind that. Of course, the objective is to come out with the title.

“I know Argentina and many people around the world, and maybe some French people as well, would hope that Lionel Messi could win the World Cup, but we’re going to do everything to achieve our objective.”

2022 Fifa World Cup match facts

• Who: Argentina vs. France
• When: Sunday 18 December 2022
• Where: Lusail Stadium, Al Daayen, Qatar
• Kick-off time: 3pm (all times GMT)

How to watch on TV in the UK

The BBC and ITV have split the coverage of the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar, but for the final they will both show Argentina vs. France on Sunday. ITV’s coverage is from 1.30pm to 6pm, while the BBC’s is from 1.50pm to 5.45pm. The final kicks off at 3pm.

Predictions and odds

“Do I have to? Really?”, said Joe Brennan on AS. “I will go for a draw after 120 minutes” and “endless penalties” until every player and substitute scores and the managers have to take one each. Then Scaloni “buries his” and Argentina win. “OK, maybe it doesn’t play out exactly like that, but it’s the only way my brain can compute how to separate these two football giants. I predict an Argentina... win? Wait, do I?”

Athos Salome, nicknamed the “Living Nostradamus”, correctly predicted that France will face Argentina in the World Cup final, “before a ball was kicked in Qatar”, said the Daily Star. And now the Brazilian has revealed who he reckons will win the tournament. Making his predictions based on a system called “Kabbalah” that “analyses mathematical probabilities”, unfortunately for France, Salome’s senses have told him that Argentina will emerge victorious in the finale.

This game has “just about everything” with “immense quality” all over the pitch and it could come down to “a moment of pure genius” from any of the world-class talents available to Deschamps and Scaloni, said Jack Rathborn in the Independent. For that reason “we’ll side with Messi”, a man “possessed” and surely determined to “not let this rare second chance pass him by”. He may have to wait until extra-time for his moment, but we’re “picking Messi to drag his side to victory once again”. Prediction: Argentina 2-1 France AET.

There’s “enough talent” in both sides for this game – which is “devoid of a clear favourite” – to be decided by “a moment of magic”, said Grey Whitebloom on 90min.com. But there has been “plenty of evidence” this winter to suggest “a mistake may prove even more likely and pivotal”. Argentina, Messi and their “deafening travelling support” may just edge out Mbappé and Co. Prediction: Argentina 2-1 France.

While Messi would appear to be “destined for the ultimate glory”, this French team “will take some beating”, said Jonathan Gorrie in the London Evening Standard. “Seemingly incapable of panicking” and boasting “obvious firepower”, they could “feasibly weather the Argentine storm” on their way to a third World Cup win. Prediction: France to win 2-1.

There’s not much between these teams and “I can see it going all the way to penalties”, where Argentina will be “the slight favourite”, said Robert Kidd on Forbes. “I think it will finish 1-1 after extra time”, and Argentina, and Lionel Messi, will win the 2022 World Cup on penalties.

As much as a Messi-led victory for Argentina will be “memorable”, a French victory will be “historic”, said Dan Roberts on Football Italia. It will be the “first time since 1962 that a nation has won the tournament twice in a row”. Obviously, it will “break Argentinian hearts”, but this is a France team that could be about to “go down in history”.

Right now, the latest odds are “about as close as they can be”, said Brian Good on Oddschecker. But, it looks as though France have the “early upper hand when it comes to the betting markets”. France are priced at 10/11 to lift the trophy, while Argentina are 19/20. Prices as of 15 December, according to Oddschecker.

Team news

Messi looked to have been holding his left hamstring during the win over Croatia, but the Argentine skipper insisted there was no problem and that he felt “really good”, “strong” and “ready to play each game”. Considering the way Messi “tore” Croatia to shreds, “potentially on one leg”, there’s almost “no chance he would be kept out of the World Cup final”, said Kyle Bonn on The Sporting News.

Argentina will also hope that winger Angel Di Maria will be fully fit, while full-backs Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel are both available after suspension. Nahuel Molina should keep his place at right-back, but Acuna could replace Nicolas Tagliafico at left-back.

In the semi-final, France were without midfielder Adrien Rabiot and defender Dayot Upamecano, who sat out the win against Morocco due to illness. They are both expected to be ready.

There have also been suggestions that Karim Benzema could make a “sensational return” to the France squad for the final, said Jonathan Gorrie in the London Evening Standard. The Ballon d’Or winner was ruled out of the tournament with a thigh injury, but with Deschamps not calling up a replacement it means that the Real Madrid striker is still registered on the 26-man squad. The 34-year-old has returned to training at Real and “could fly out” to Qatar in what would be a “dramatic boost” for Les Bleus.

Possible starting XIs

• Argentina: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna, De Paul, Paredes, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Messi (captain), Alvarez
• France: Lloris (captain); Kounde, Varane, Konate, T. Hernandez, Rabiot, Tchouameni; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud

The stadium

The 80,000-seater Lusail Stadium is the centrepiece of the Qatar World Cup and will host the final on Sunday. Located nine miles north of Doha, there have been six group games, one round of 16 match, one quarter-final and the semi-final between Argentina and Croatia previously held at the stadium during the tournament.

Squads

Argentina

• Head coach: Lionel Scaloni
• Key player: Lionel Messi
• One to watch: Julian Alvarez
• Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Franco Armani (River Plate) and Geronimo Rulli (Villarreal)
• Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), German Pezzella (Real Betis), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Nicolas Tagliafico (Olympique Lyonnais), Marcos Acuna (Sevilla)
• Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Juventus), Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis), Enzo Fernandez (Benfica), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Alejandro Gomez (Sevilla), Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton & Hove Albion)
• Forwards: Paulo Dybala (AS Roma), Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain), Angel Di Maria (Juventus), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina), Joaquin Correa (Inter Milan), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Julian Alvarez (Manchester City)

France

• Head coach: Didier Deschamps
• Key player: Kylian Mbappe
• One to watch: Aurelien Tchouameni
• Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (West Ham), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Rennes)
• Defenders: Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Raphael Varane (Manchester United), Axel Disasi (Monaco)
• Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Matteo Guendouzi (Marseille), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Jordan Veretout (Marseille)
• Forwards: Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Kylian Mbappe (Paris St-Germain), Randal Kolo Muani (Eintracht Frankfurt), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
• Injured and out of the World Cup: Lucas Hernandez (Bayern Munich)

As with every Fifa World Cup, much of the tournament chatter centres around which nation will lift the trophy and which players will shine on the biggest stage of all. And at Qatar 2022 there’s been one player in particular that the pundits and fans have talked about more than any other: Argentina captain Lionel Messi.

When Messi announced in October that this would be his fifth and final World Cup, the football writers around the globe focussed on how the 35-year-old had never won the sport’s biggest prize and it was “now or never”. Even Messi admitted that Qatar represented the last chance he would have of fulfilling his ambition of winning the World Cup with Argentina. “My last opportunity to make my dream, our dream, a reality,” he said.

After inspiring his nation in Qatar, he now has his date with destiny when Argentina take on holders France in Sunday’s final at the Lusail Stadium – in what will be his last World Cup match for his country.

Messi has come close before, when Argentina lost the 2014 final to Germany. And now he’s just one victory away from achieving that “dream” and emulating another legendary Argentine No.10, Diego Maradona, who captained La Albiceleste to World Cup glory at Mexico 86.

Can he complete the clean sweep?

During his long and glittering career Messi has won almost everything – he can look in his trophy cabinet and find seven Ballon d’Ors and winners’ medals from four Champions Leagues, ten Spanish La Liga titles, three Fifa Club World Cups and the Copa América with Argentina last year. There is, however, one big space left to fill in the cabinet – and that’s for the elusive World Cup winners’ medal.

With five goals so far in Qatar, he could “complete the clean sweep”, said BBC Sport. That would be lifting the trophy and winning the golden boot for top goalscorer and the golden ball for the tournament’s best player. The fact he has never won a World Cup – unlike compatriot Maradona or Brazil’s Pele – has “sometimes counted against him in debates about the best of all time”, but he has “a chance to remedy that” in Sunday’s final.

Messi has been “collecting records” in this tournament, said Rob Dawson on ESPN. Against Croatia in the 3-0 semi-final victory not only did he score his 11th World Cup goal, passing Gabriel “Batigol” Batistuta on Argentina’s all-time list, but he also equalled Germany’s Lothar Matthaus as the joint record appearance maker (25) in men’s World Cup history. Barring a last-minute injury, he will break that record on Sunday in his last World Cup match. “None of that will matter”, though, if this tournament “doesn’t end with a World Cup winners’ medal on his CV”, Dawson added.

‘Settle the GOAT debate once and for all’

He may be in his twilight years, but against Croatia in the semi-final the “diminutive No.10” proved that he is “not normal”, said Mark Doyle on Goal. After “tormenting” Josko Gvardiol on the right flank and cutting the ball back for Julian Alvarez to score his second of the night, the fans behind the goal “bowed before their god” once more. “And why wouldn’t they? What Messi has already achieved in Qatar is super-human.”

Messi has the “farewell he wished for” – a “goodbye” as far as Argentina is concerned, said Sid Lowe in The Guardian. “Still, what a way to go.” Of course, “it is not done yet” – the greatest game of all awaits, it is “colossal”. But even getting there “felt a little like something had been won”, like some “realisation” had been reached. “By Messi and about Messi.”

While his “nemesis” Cristiano Ronaldo “contemplates a future without a World Cup medal, and possibly a club no one has heard of”, Messi is just one win away from “settling the GOAT debate once and for all”, said Ben Snowball on Eurosport. For all his “dazzling artistry through the years”, he needs this one to “banish Pele and Maradona from the conversation”.

In his best “deep narrator voice”, Snowball captured the magnitude of what Messi could achieve at the Lusail Stadium: “The world stops. For one man’s search for destiny. His fans call him the GOAT. His haters call him Pessi. So can he prove them wrong and claim the one major trophy that has eluded him? **and breathe** Yes, Lionel Messi will go for World Cup glory.”

Sunday’s Fifa World Cup final between Argentina and France will kick-off at 3pm GMT. The match is live in the UK on both the BBC and ITV.

Around four million football fans will “pile into pubs, bars and restaurants” to down 12m pints during today’s England vs. Wales match, said the Daily Star. Despite the cost-of-living crisis, up to £270m is predicted to be spent. Up to £43m will be splashed in pubs and restaurants, another 12.9m fans will watch from home, forking out £141m on booze and food, and fans will spend £50m upgrading TVs and other electrics ahead of the game, while £27m has been spent on sportswear and £7.6m on other items including souvenirs.

Mexican boxer threatens Messi

A boxer in Mexico has sent a warning to Lionel Messi, accusing the football star of disrespecting Mexico. “Did you see Messi cleaning the floor with our shirt and flag????” tweeted Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez, in reference to footage in which Messi appears to kick a Mexico shirt that is on the floor during Argentina’s celebrations in the changing room. “He better pray to God that I don’t find him!! Just like I respect Argentina, he has to respect Mexico!”

Thousands join huge salsa circle

Some 2,040 dancers gathered at the National Sports Institute in Venezuela to attempt a Guinness World Record for the largest salsa casino circle dance. Dance students ranging in age from seven to 65, salsa danced in a casino circle, a popular partner-trading formation for the dance, for 11 minutes. The event is being submitted to Guinness World Records for official recognition. Organisers hope it will replace the current record of 1,291 dancers, which was set in Spain in May 2019, noted UPI.

When Lionel Messi steps onto the field for Argentina’s opening game against Saudi Arabia on 22 November, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will know that the fixture marks the start of his last Fifa World Cup campaign. Now 35, the Argentine captain announced in October that Qatar 2022 will be his fifth and final World Cup tournament and he will be hoping to go out on a high.

Messi, who captained Argentina to Copa América success in 2021, first played in the World Cup in 2006 in Germany and also appeared in 2010, 2014 and 2018. The Paris Saint-Germain forward was clear that this next edition would be his last. “For sure – the decision has been made.”

At the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar, “La Albiceleste” have been drawn in group C with Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.

Messi ‘movie’ should have ended in Russia

While Messi can count a winners’ medal from the 2005 Fifa Under-20 World Cup among his glittering collection of career achievements, he has never won the senior World Cup with his country. The closest he has come was at Brazil 2014 when Argentina were beaten in the final 1-0 in extra-time by Germany.

Four years ago in Russia, Messi said that it was a “now or never” moment for an ageing Argentina squad that arrived as one of the oldest teams in the tournament. “There is no more,” he added. “We have to see this as our final World Cup and look at it as such and take advantage of the opportunity.”

It’s a quote that “would have applied to Argentina today”, said Shubi Arun on AlJazeera.com. But in actuality, it was said ahead of the event in 2018. Qatar 2022 is “not a now-or-never” World Cup in the Messi story, “it’s a postscript for a movie that was supposed to have ended in Russia”.

‘He cannot do it alone’

For all his greatness, critics have “often pointed to Diego Maradona and Pele’s World Cup success to deny Messi’s claim as the Greatest of All Time”, said Abdi Rashid in the Daily Mail. With that in mind, he will have an opportunity to “silence those doubters in what will be his last dance on the biggest stage”.

Argentina will come into this year’s tournament as the reigning Copa América champions and “rightfully as one of the favourites”, Rashid added. It will take something “truly special” for Argentina to win their first World Cup since 1986. But in Messi, “they have exactly that”.

Aware that his fifth World Cup with Argentina “almost certainly represents his last chance to get his hands on the trophy”, Messi has been “building up to this moment”, said AFP. However, he goes to the Gulf “remarkably still looking to score his first goal in the knockout stages” of a World Cup, “never mind actually win it”. Qatar 2022 may be his last chance to “emulate Maradona”, but if Argentina’s captain is to win the World Cup, “he cannot do it alone”.

Does football “owe Messi a World Cup?”, Arun added on AlJazeera.com. “Maybe”, but in “the same way it owes” Steven Gerrard a Premier League, Gigi Buffon a Champions League and Franck Ribery a Ballon d’Or. “Greatness is not always perfect and not winning the World Cup will not take away from Messi’s legacy. But winning it would add so much.”

The debate over Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi has divided football fans, pundits and players for nearly two decades.

There are those who “admire the magical technical skills and artistry of Messi,” said the Daily Express, and “others who are in awe of the goal-scoring machine and athletic force that is Ronaldo”.

“This polarising discussion has been known to strain even the strongest of bonds among fans.”

This week they were named as finalists for the Fifpro World XI, a “dream team” voted for by professional footballers around the world. Messi has made the cut a staggering 18 times since it launched in 2005, with his great rival Ronaldo not far behind on 16.

Last summer, Messi captained Argentina to Copa America glory, in the process securing his 45th career trophy, surpassing the record set by Brazilian Dani Alves. It was his third consecutive major international tournament win, adding to the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa America.

Not to be outdone, Ronaldo recently became the first player to score 950 top-tier career goals as he continues to bang them in for both club and country. The 40-year-old scored in Al Nassr’s 2-0 win over Al Hazm as they continue their unbeaten start to the Saudi Pro League season. The Portuguese legend has now scored six goals in as many games, making it 106 in 119 games since joining the club in January 2023, said Talksport. Provided he keeps fit, Ronaldo hopes to hit the 1,000 career goals mark within the next 12 months. “I know I don’t have many more years, but the few I have, I try to enjoy to the fullest,” he told Canal 11, adding that he was “always hungry for more.”

With countless trophies and a host of personal records, Messi and Ronaldo have a very special rivalry. We take a look at their profiles and all-time career statistics.

Player profile: Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi spent the first 21 years of his career with FC Barcelona – where he won Spain’s La Liga title ten times and the Uefa Champions League four times – before joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. After two seasons in France, he signed for MLS team Inter Miami.

The Argentine “hasn’t had any problem adjusting to life” in Miami, said Fox Sports. As well as being among the goals he also helped the club win the 2023 MLS Leagues Cup after they beat Nashville SC on penalties in the final. Last October, he secured the 46th trophy of his career after Miami won the Supporters' Shield, given to the MLS club with the best regular season record.

After leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022  Messi was named the men’s player of the year at the 2022 Best Fifa Awards. The forward has won the Fifa award three times and is also a record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner following his triumph in 2023.

At Qatar 2022 Messi scored seven goals, including two in the final against France. He played his 1,000th career match as Argentina beat Australia in the round of 16.

Argentina also won the 2021 Copa América with Messi the top goalscorer in the competition. After winning a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Copa América triumph in 2021 was his first in senior international football. South American champions Argentina won the 2022 “Finalissima”, 3-0 against European champions Italy, with captain Messi named man-of-the-match at Wembley Stadium.

He lifted his third consecutive major international tournament trophy last summer, after captaining Argentina to their second successive Copa America.

Messi is the only player in history to win the World Cup Golden Ball twice (2014 and 2022).

• Full name: Lionel Andrés Messi
• Nationality: Argentine
• Age: 38
• Born: 24 June 1987
• Clubs: Inter Miami (2023-present); Paris Saint-Germain (2021-2023); Barcelona (2004-2021)
• Ballon d’Or wins: 8 (2023, 2021, 2019, 2015, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009)
• The Best Fifa Men’s Player: 3 (2023, 2022, 2019)
• Champions League winners’ medals – 4: 2014-15, 2010-11, 2008-09, 2005-06 (all with Barcelona)
• Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award: 2 (2023; 2019 joint winner with Lewis Hamilton)
• Captained Argentina in their 2021 and 2024 Copa America win
• Captained Argentina in their 2022 Fifa World Cup win
• 114 goals in 195 games (both national records)

Player profile: Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has played his club football with Sporting Lisbon (2002-2003), Manchester United (2003-2009 and 2021-2022), Real Madrid (2009-2018), Juventus (2018-2021) and Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia (2023-present).

The 40-year-old’s trophy collection includes five Champions League winners’ medals, plus league titles in England, Spain and Italy. At Qatar 2022 he became the first male player to score in five different Fifa World Cups. Ronaldo was also the first player to score at five European Championships.

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, who has scored more than 950 goals for club and country, is the top goalscorer in men’s international football with 143 goals for Portugal and holds the record for most international appearances (225), having made his debut way back in 2003. He won the European Championship with Portugal in 2016 and is also the all-time top goalscorer for Real Madrid (451) and in the Champions League (141).

On 12 August 2023 Ronaldo won his first trophy in Saudi Arabia, scoring twice in Al Nassr’s 2-1 victory over Al-Hilal in the Arab Club Champions Cup final. He extended his contract with the club over the summer, where he has enjoyed a perfect start to the new season with six goals and six wins out of six.

• Full name: Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
• Nationality: Portuguese
• Age: 40
• Born: 5 February 1985
• Clubs: Al Nassr (2023-present); Manchester United (2021-22 and 2003-09); Juventus (2018-21); Real Madrid (2009-18); Sporting Lisbon (2002-03)
• Ballon d’Or wins: 5 wins (2017, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2008)
• The Best Fifa Men's Player:  2 (2017 and 2016)
• Champions League winners’ medals – 5: 2017-18, 2016-17, 2015-16, 2013-14 with Real Madrid; 2007–08 with Man Utd
• Captained Portugal in their Euro 2016 win
• All-time top goalscorer in men’s international football (143 goals)
• All-time record men’s international appearances (225)
• Top goalscorer in the Uefa Champions League (141 goals)
• First male player to score in five different Fifa World Cups

All-time goals, career statistics and red cards

All-time goals, career statistics and red cards

According to messivsronaldo.app

• Ronaldo: 950 goals and 259 assists in 1,293 appearances
• Messi: 891 goals and 399 assists in 1,131 appearances
• Hat-tricks: Ronaldo 66; Messi 60
• Career goal ratio: Ronaldo 0.73; Messi 0.78
• Penalties: Ronaldo 178; Messi 112

All-time club careers (excluding friendlies)

• Ronaldo: 807 goals and 222 assists in 1,068 appearances
• Messi: 777 goals and 339 assists in 936 appearances
• Hat tricks: Ronaldo 56; Messi 50
• Club goal ratio: Ronaldo 0.76; Messi 0.83
• Penalties: Ronaldo 156; Messi 88

Career red cards: Messi 3, Ronaldo 12

Messi has been sent off three times in his career – twice for Argentina and once for Barcelona. He saw red just 43 seconds into his Argentina debut after coming on as a sub against Hungary in 2005. He was also sent off against Chile in the 2019 Copa América.

Messi’s third career red card – and first at club level – came on 17 January 2021. In Barcelona’s 3-2 Spanish Super Cup final loss against Athletic Bilbao, Messi walked after VAR spotted him lashing out against Asier Villalibre.

Ronaldo has been sent off 12 times in his career – once for Al-Nassr, once for Juventus, six times for Real Madrid and four times for Manchester United. “Notably,” said Goal.com, “the Portuguese has shown himself to be somewhat prone to losing his cool in derby matches.”

International football

International careers (friendly and competitive matches)

Argentina star Messi has scored 114 goals in 195 international appearances – both all-time records for his nation. With 143 goals in 225 games for Portugal, Ronaldo holds both the all-time men's records for international appearances and goals.

• Ronaldo for Portugal: 143 goals and 37 assists in 225 appearances
• Messi for Argentina: 114 goals and 60 assists in 195 appearances
• Hat-tricks: Ronaldo 10; Messi 10
• International goal ratio: Ronaldo 0.64; Messi 0.58
• Penalties: Ronaldo 22; Messi 24

Ronaldo's Uefa European Championship finals record

• Tournaments: 2024, 2020, 2016, 2012, 2008, 2004
• All-time finals record: 14 goals in 30 matches 
• Euro 2004: two goals
• Euro 2008: one goal
• Euro 2012: three goals
• Euro 2016: three goals (Portugal won the tournament)
• Euro 2020: five goals (top scorer)
• Euro 2024: none

Messi's Copa América finals record

• Tournaments: 2024, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2015, 2011, 2007
• All-time finals record: 14 goals in 39 matches
• 2007 Copa América: two goals
• 2011 Copa América: zero goals
• 2015 Copa América: one goal
• 2016 Copa América Centenario: five goals
• 2019 Copa América: one goal
• 2021 Copa América: four goals (Argentina won the tournament)
• 2024 Copa América: one goal

Trophies and awards

Messi club honours

• Clubs: Inter Miami (2023-present); Paris Saint-Germain (2021-2023); Barcelona (2004-2021)
• Spanish La Liga titles: 10
• Spanish Copa del Rey: 7
• Spanish Supercup: 8
• Uefa Champions League: 4
• Uefa Super Cup: 3
• Fifa Club World Cup: 3
• French Ligue 1 titles: 2
• MLS Leagues Cup: 1
• MLS Supporters' Shield: 1

Messi international honours with Argentina

• Fifa World Cup: 1 (2022)
• Finalissima: 1 (2022)
• 2021 and 2024 Copa América winner and Golden Boot winner
• Fifa Under-20 World Cup: 1 (2005)
• Olympic Gold Medal: 1 (2008)
• Record number of appearances for Argentina: 192
• Argentina all-time top goalscorer: 112 goals
• Record number of World Cup appearances: 26

Ronaldo club honours

• Clubs: Al Nassr (2023-present); Manchester United (2021-2022 and 2003-2009); Juventus (2018-2021); Real Madrid (2009-2018); Sporting Lisbon (2002-2003)
• English Premier League titles: 3
• English FA Cup: 1
• English Football League Cup: 2
• Spanish La Liga titles: 2
• Spanish Copa del Rey: 2
• Spanish Supercup: 2
• Uefa Champions League: 5 (four with Real Madrid, one with Man Utd)
• Uefa Super Cup: 3
• Fifa Club World Cup: 4 (three with Real Madrid, one with Man Utd)
• Portugal Super Cup: 1
• Italian Supercoppa: 2
• Italian Serie A titles: 2
• Arab Club Champions Cup: 1

Ronaldo international honours with Portugal

• Uefa European Championship titles: 1 (2016)
• Uefa Nations League titles: 2 (2019), (2025)
• All-time leading scorer in men's international football (143 goals)
• All-time men's international appearances (225)
• All-time leading scorer in European Championship history (14 goals in 27 tournament matches)
• Euro 2020 Golden Boot winner
• Record number of European Championship tournaments: 6

Ronaldo vs. Messi: Ballon d’Or wins

• Ronaldo – 5 wins: 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2008
• Messi – 8 wins: 2023, 2021, 2019, 2015, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009

Messi’s European Golden Shoe awards

• 2009-10: 34 goals
• 2011-12: 50 goals
• 2012-13: 46 goals
• 2016-17: 37 goals
• 2017-18: 34 goals
• 2018-19: 36 goals

Ronaldo’s European Golden Shoe awards

• 2007-08: 31 goals
• 2010-11: 40 goals
• 2013-14: 31 goals (shared with Luis Suarez)
• 2014-15: 48 goals

Hat-tricks

The rate at which the duo score hat-tricks is “scarcely believable”, said the MessivsRonaldo.app, with a “staggering” 126 between them. Ronaldo leads the head-to-head 66-60, but Messi has a “slight edge” in frequency.

Of Ronaldo's 66 career hat-tricks, he scored 44 for Real Madrid, three for Manchester United, three for Juventus, and is currently on 10 for Portugal and six for Al-Nassr – the most recent coming last September when Al-Nassr thrashed Al-Wehda 6-0 in the Saudi Pro League.

Messi’s 60th career hat-trick came on the final day of the 2025 MLS regular season. His last international hat-trick came for Argentina in the 6-0 World Cup qualifying win over Bolivia in October 2024, bringing his total number in internationals to 10.

Fifa World Cup

It was the perfect end to Lionel Messi’s World Cup story. At Qatar 2022, the Argentina captain’s fifth and final World Cup, he achieved his lifelong dream of lifting the trophy for his country.

With two goals in the epic final against France, and a penalty in the shoot-out, Messi inspired Argentina to an unforgettable victory at the Lusail Stadium. He was also awarded the Golden Ball for the tournament's best player and only missed out on the Golden Boot after Kylian Mbappé's brilliant hat-trick saw the French striker finish with eight goals. Messi scored seven goals and also provided three assists in Qatar, and he moved above Brazil legend Pele on the World Cup all-time goalscorer list.

Messi’s brilliant tournament saw him break a host of records. He is now Argentina’s all-time highest goalscorer in World Cups with 13 goals. And he also has the highest number of appearances in men’s World Cup history, with 26.

Messi “not only emulated the deity of Argentinian football”, Diego Maradona, but he “finally plugged the burning gap on his CV”, winning the “one title that has eluded him”, said David Hytner in The Guardian. “In the process he gilded his claim to being recognised as the greatest player of them all.”

Cristiano Ronaldo also made history at Qatar 2022 as Portugal reached the quarter-finals, where they lost to Morocco 1-0. He became the first men’s player to score in five separate World Cup tournaments. His World Cup record stands at eight goals in 22 appearances.

Here we take a look at their World Cup stats, according to MessivsRonaldo.app:

Messi’s World Cup stats

• Games: 26
• Goals: 13
• Assists: 8
• Minutes played: 2,314

Messi's World Cup tournament goals: 13

• 2022: 7
• 2018: 1
• 2014: 4
• 2010: 0
• 2006: 1

Ronaldo's World Cup stats

• Games: 22
• Goals: 8
• Assists: 2
• Minutes played: 1,762
• Hat-tricks: 1 – against Spain in 2018

Ronaldo's World Cup tournament goals: 8

• 2022: 1
• 2018: 4
• 2014: 1
• 2010: 1
• 2006: 1

Uefa Champions League

Ronaldo vs. Messi in European football

Statistics according to Uefa.com:

• Champions League goals (group stage to final): Ronaldo 140 (21 for Man Utd; 105 for Real Madrid; 14 for Juventus); Messi 129 (120 for Barcelona; 9 for PSG)
• Total Uefa competition goals (Champions League and Europa League): Ronaldo 144; Messi 132
• Champions League hat-tricks: Ronaldo 8; Messi 8
• All-time Champions League group stage goals: Ronaldo 73; Messi 80
• Did you know? Ronaldo is the only player to score in three Uefa Champions League finals, and the first to score in 11 successive Champions League matches

Champions League head-to-head

• Ronaldo Champions League stats: 140 goals, 40 assists, 183 appearances
• Messi Champions League stats: 129 goals, 38 assists, 169 appearances
• Ronaldo Champions League winners’ medals – 5: 2007-08 (with Man Utd); 2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 (with Real Madrid)
• Messi Champions League winners’ medals – 4: 2005-06, 2008-09, 2010-11, 2014-15 (all with Barcelona)
• Career hat-tricks in the Champions League: 8 each

Their last ever meeting?

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have possibly shared a football pitch for the final time in their glittering careers. In an exhibition game between a Riyadh All-Star XI and Paris Saint-Germain on 19 January 2023, Ronaldo scored twice in his first match in Saudi Arabia, while Messi scored once for PSG, who won the contest 5-4.

It was a “thrilling” match in the Saudi capital city as the “two GOATs faced off”, said Shamoon Hafez on BBC Sport. And it was “fitting” that Ronaldo’s first game in the Gulf was against his “old foe” Messi, who lifted the World Cup in neighbouring Qatar just a month before.

The star duo have “contested” El Clasico, “fought it out” in the Champions League, “squared off” in the colours of their country, and “together they have reached such magnificent heights”, said Riath Al-Samarrai in the Daily Mail. Messi’s “still on top of the world” and Ronaldo “has got his payday”, but against “a backdrop of Saudi sportswashing”, the end of this “once-great rivalry” is certainly “tinged with sadness”.

What people say about Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo: “I really admire the career he has had so far, and, for his part, he has already said that he had trouble when I left the Spanish league because it is a rivalry that he appreciates. It is a good rivalry that exists in football, but this is no exception. Michael Jordan had rivals in basketball, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost were great rivals in Formula One, the only common point between all the big rivalries in the sport is that they are healthy.”

Gigi Buffon: “When I met Messi I reached out and touched him. I needed to make sure he was human like the rest of us.”

Ronaldinho: “When I look back on my career, the most enjoyable thing was seeing the early years of Leo Messi. When he retires, football – not just Barcelona – should retire the No.10 shirt.”

Pep Guardiola: “He is the best player I have ever seen. The best thing about him is not what he does but how simple he makes everything look.He is not just the best player because he can dribble past three or four players, it is because he does it better than anyone in the world.”

Neymar: “I played with Messi, who is, for me, one of the greatest footballers of all time, and he is my idol in football.”

Diego Maradona: “I have seen the player who will inherit my place in Argentine football and his name is Messi. Messi is a genius.”

David Beckham: “He [Messi] is alone in his class as a player, it is impossible that there is another like him. He, like Cristiano Ronaldo, who is not at his level, are both above the rest.”

What people say about Ronaldo

Lionel Messi: “(Ronaldo) is always there scoring goals in all the games and taking part in his club and national side. He has been doing that for many years and whether he is at his peak or a bit below it makes no difference.”

Brazil legend Pele, after Ronaldo reached 770 official goals: “Life is a solo flight. Each makes his own journey. And what a beautiful journey you are having. I admire you a lot, I love watching you play and this is no secret to anyone. Congratulations on breaking my record of goals in official matches. My only regret is not being able to give you a hug today.”

George Best: “There have been a few players described as the new George Best over the years, but this is the first time it’s been a compliment to me.”

Zinedine Zidane: “When you play with Ronaldo on your team, you are already 1-0 up.”

Gerard Pique: “The best player I have ever played against has to be Ronaldo. You cannot afford to take your eyes off him.”

Paolo Di Canio: “Messi left the pitch scratching his head, he has no emotions. I prefer Cristiano Ronaldo. ‘Do you want me to sit on the bench against Man City?’ I go back to Portugal, then I return and score a hat-trick. I prefer the human who has a soul to the alien without emotions.”

Afghanistan has been the big story of the week, as Kabul fell to the Taliban.

The Islamist group insists it has changed its ways since last ruling the country, but that claim has been given little credence amid emerging reports of brutal crackdowns. As Afghans flocked to Kabul airport, with some clambering onto moving aircraft in a bid to escape, the UK promised to accommodate 20,000 of the refugees - but only 5,000 this year.

By contrast, it was a relatively quiet week in Covid news, as UK cases and hospitalisations remained fairly steady. Questions about lockdown strategy, vaccine efficacy and herd immunity continued to rumble on, however.

Meanwhile over in Tokyo, attention turned from the Olympics to the Paralympics, which open on Tuesday.

To find out how closely you’ve been paying attention to the latest developments in the pandemic and other global events, put your knowledge to the test with our Quiz of The Week:

Need a reminder of some of the other headlines over the past seven days?

• The Delta coronavirus variant began to wreak havoc across the US, leading to record hospital admissions in some states. The country’s daily death toll climbed above 1,000 again.
• Bob Dylan was accused of sexually abusing a young girl more than 55 years ago, an allegation he denies. A spokesperson for the singer-songwriter said he would defend himself against claims of assault, battery, false imprisonment and infliction of emotional distress.
• British house prices continued to rise, with homes in London selling for an average of £510,000. Although prices in the capital are at a record high, they are now rising more slowly than in other parts of the country.
• And the tissue used by Lionel Messi to wipe away his tears as he announced his departure from Barcelona has been put up for auction.

A tissue allegedly used by a tearful Lionel Messi during his farewell address to Barcelona earlier this month is being sold at auction for $1m. The Argentinian star was emotional during his press conference where he addressed his departure and paused a few times to wipe away tears with a tissue. A seller has listed the item for $1m at international e-commerce platform Meikeduo.

Cuttlefish ‘have better memories than humans’

Cuttlefish can remember what, where, and when specific things happened right up to their final days of life, according to a new study. “The pedestal upon which humans place themselves in terms of neurological abilities continues to crumble,” said a professor. Although they only live for around two years, the cephalopods make the most of it by having three hearts, eight arms, blue-green blood and regenerating limbs.

Python takes over supermarket spice shelf

A three-metre-long python was spotted by shoppers in Sydney supermarket as it slithered along a shelf in the spice section. Helaina Alati was shopping for her dinner when she turned her head to the right and “just 20cm from my face” saw the diamond python. “It just wanted to say hello,” she told Guardian Australia. A Woolworths spokesperson said the “slippery and rare customer” was safely caught and released into bushland.

Climate change has been a major talking point this week following the publication of a landmark UN report calling on global leaders to take urgent action to address the crisis.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is predicting that global temperatures will rise by 1.5C over the next 20 years - and says that human activity is “unequivocally” the cause of rapid changes to the climate including sea level rises, melting polar ice and glaciers, heatwaves, floods and droughts.

Nature lovers in the UK have also been worrying about the fate of Geronimo the alpaca, a six-year-old pet due to be put down at the orders of the Department of Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra). Protesters including a group of trained alpacas marched on Downing Street this week in protest against the “death sentence”.

The government is also under fire over the cost of PCR Covid tests that holidaymakers hoping to go abroad are required to use. More than 100 government-sanctioned providers were found to be charging around £200 for the tests - and others were charging more than £500.

To find out how closely you’ve been paying attention to the latest developments in the pandemic and other global events, put your knowledge to the test with our Quiz of The Week:

Need a reminder of some of the other headlines over the past seven days?

Russia is reporting a sharp spike in coronavirus deaths, despite having been the first country to officially approve a Covid vaccine, back in August last year.

Over in the US, many Republicans are backing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for a potential presidential run in 2024, as pundits tip him to become the new Donald Trump.

In other political news across the pond, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned after an inquiry found that he sexually harassed 11 women while in office. Cuomo was facing impeachment proceedings but quit on Wednesday, claiming that an investigation would be a huge distraction during a time of crisis and would cost millions of dollars.

Back in Europe, mass evacuation orders were issued by the authorities in Greece as uncontrolled wildfires swept towards the ancient city of Athens. With temperatures as high as 40C sparking a series of blazes, officials blamed climate change for the “devastating heatwave”.

Lionel Messi has spoken about his new career goals after being unveiled as a Paris Saint-Germain player. The Argentine arrived in the French capital yesterday to sign a two-year contract with PSG and today he held his first press conference at Le Parc des Princes.

PSG fans gathered outside the club’s stadium to welcome their new hero. There was a “rapturous reception” for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner, Goal reports. “Flares, fireworks, drums, chants, you name it!”

He is not the only high-profile signing PSG have made this summer. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who like Messi is also Argentine, has recruited global stars such as Spanish centre-back Sergio Ramos and Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Messi will reportedly earn £960,000 per week and wear the No.30 shirt at PSG - the same number he wore when he began his professional career with Barcelona. And alongside his ex-Barca team-mate Neymar and France striker Kylian Mbappe, the trio will now form one of the most potent front threes in world football.

The 34-year-old won the Uefa Champions League four times with Barca, while PSG are yet to lift Europe’s major club trophy. The French club reached the final in 2020, where they were beaten 1-0 by Bayern Munich, and last season lost in the semi-finals to Manchester City.

Revealing his ambitions for his new club, here’s what Messi had to say in his first press conference in Paris…

Why he chose PSG

“It was a difficult change after so long a time. But the moment I arrived here, I felt very happy and I really want to begin the training sessions. I want it to be quick. My only will now is to begin the training sessions. I want to work with the staff and team-mates and begin this new moment of my life.”

Pochettino and the PSG staff

“The whole dressing room and the staff had an influence on my decision. When we saw it was possible, the first thing we did was talk to them and Pochettino. We’ve known each other for a long time and we are close, in a way. It’s been very easy since the very beginning. All the squad and the staff did a lot to help me choose this club.”

Hunger for trophies

“I have this will to play. I am really impatient. I still want to win, as I did the first moment of my career. I feel this club is ready to fight for all the trophies. This is my goal, I want to keep growing and keep winning titles and that is why I came to this club. I know my goals and PSG’s goals are the same and want to be bigger and bigger.”

European glory

“My goal and my dream is to win the Champions League once more. It’s not easy. Sometimes you can have the best team in the world and you don’t win the Champions League - this is football. Paris has been so close to a victory in the Champions League. In the best competition, the best teams are playing. It’s very difficult to win it. You need a very united squad. This dressing room is very united but you also need luck. It’s a very special competition and that’s why it’s so beautiful and so important - we all want to win this competition.”

Playing in Ligue 1

“I’ve been following, and I know Ligue 1 because of my friends. This league has been growing a lot... it’s more competitive, all the teams are getting stronger because they want to beat PSG.”

Star-studded squad

“I’ve got some friends here in the dressing room. When you see the squad you really want to play with them. We had contact and Neymar, of course, did a lot and was important. It’s really crazy and I’m happy about that. Sharing the day to day life with them and all the squad. Really there are some amazing transfers here and the team is incredible. I’m going to be playing with the best players.”

Playing alongside Neymar again

“Neymar is a great player, best of the world in his position. I wanted him at Barca, now it has turned around, and I’m here with him. He’s a spectacular kid - dressing room full of magnificent players.”

The possibility of facing Barcelona at the Camp Nou

“Barcelona is my home - I have been there since I was a kid and I’ve lived so many things there. I don’t know if we are going to face each other - it would be very nice to go back to Barcelona. It will be very strange to play at home there in Barcelona with another shirt but it can happen and we will see.”

Shockwaves were sent through the world of football after FC Barcelona announced that captain and star player Lionel Messi would be leaving after 21 years with the club. Messi, 34, has only ever played senior club football for the Catalans, but was out of contract after his deal expired on 1 July.

Barca and Messi had reached an agreement and there was a “clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract”, the club said in a statement. However, this “cannot happen because of Spanish La Liga regulations on player registration”.

The statement continued: “As a result of this situation, Messi shall not be staying on at FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled. FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandisement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life.”

“Leo Messi is a legend”, the Spaniards declared, and the Argentine will leave the club with a host of historic records. He is Barca’s all-time top scorer with 672 goals and during his Camp Nou career he has won ten La Liga titles and the Champions League four times. He is also a six-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Messi and his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo set Spanish football alight when they starred for Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively. With Ronaldo now playing in Italy for Juventus and Messi set to leave Barca, and most likely Spain, it’s the end of an era for La Liga.

‘Seismic, strange, sad’

Is this really the end of Messi at Barca, or will there be “one final twist”, the BBC asks. Barcelona said a new deal was due to be signed on Thursday, but the Spanish league’s “financial and structural obstacles” scuppered that.

Barcelona’s financial situation is “exceptionally critical”, said Radio Catalunya’s Ernest Macia. And it was revealed earlier this month by Spanish football reporter Guillem Balague that Messi had agreed a deal to 2026 with his wages being reduced by half.

However, in order to fund a new contract and to meet La Liga’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) requirements Barcelona still needed to sell players and reduce their wage bill by about €200m (£172m), the BBC reports. They are “yet to achieve this” and players such as Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho “remain on their books”.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said keeping Messi would have affected the club “for 50 years”. He added: “The club is over 100 years old and it’s above everyone and everything, even above the best player of the world. We will always thank him for everything he’s done for us.”

Messi’s departure is “seismic, strange, sad and wrong”, says Henry Winter in The Times. “Visitors thought the Sagrada Família would be finished in Barcelona before Messi.”

Where will he go next?

Messi is said to be “shocked” and “surprised” at the dramatic revelation that Barcelona could not re-sign him, Sky Sports reports. He is “taking time with his father and agent Jorge to come to terms with what has happened and analyse his options for the future”.

The Argentine has been linked with various clubs over the years, but there’s only a select few that could afford his wages.

Manchester City, who are managed by ex-Barca boss Pep Guardiola, have just signed Jack Grealish for a British record £100m. But according to an incredibly speculative story in The Sun “things could be about to get even better”.

Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane is also on City’s wish list as is Messi, who has previously been linked with a move to the Etihad. “If City somehow manage to add Messi and Kane to the acquisition of Grealish, it will leave rival Premier League teams quaking in their boots,” says The Sun’s John Hutchinson.

Other possible destinations for Messi include Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and “any MLS club”, says The Independent. Messi’s boyhood team in Argentina, Newell’s Old Boys, also offer an “emotional if unrealistic choice” should he choose to return to where it all began.

‘Changed the dynamic’

French giants PSG are favourites to sign Messi and sources say he has been in contact with the club’s head coach and fellow Argentine, Mauricio Pochettino.

PSG were “understood initially to be of the view that a deal could not be done”, PA reports. But the direct approach from Messi to Pochettino has “changed the dynamic” and they are confident that signing the player would be profitable in the long run.

Having already signed free agents Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos and Georginio Wijnaldum this summer, PSG are making progress in talks for Messi, Sky Sports reports. The French club believe they have a good chance of completing the deal and can afford to sign him without breaking any financial fair play rules.

On the weekend that Lionel Messi scored the 650th goal of his Barcelona career, a sensational news story broke over how much the Argentine is being paid at the Camp Nou.

Ahead of Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao on 31 January, in which Messi scored the opening goal, Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported that Messi will earn a mind-boggling gross total of €555,237,619 (£494.m) throughout his current four-year deal, which expires on 30 June.

Signed in 2017, the contract is described as the “largest in the history of sport” and threatens to “ruin” Barca, El Mundo said. The Catalan club recently finished top of Deloitte’s Football Money League, but the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on their finances has left them “on the verge of bankruptcy”, The Guardian adds.

Messi’s future has been the subject of rumour following a torrid few years for Barcelona. They failed to win a trophy last season and were on the receiving end of an 8-2 hammering by Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Manchester City, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with signing the Argentine when his contract expires this summer.

‘People want to hurt Barca and Leo’

Head coach Ronald Koeman has been left “seething” by the leak and has vowed to identify and punish whoever is responsible, Goal reports.

“Whoever has leaked Messi’s contract cannot have a future at Barca,” Koeman said. “What has come out in the press about Messi was done maliciously.

“We have to try to know how this could have come out in the press. We have to concentrate on our season. The team’s been fine lately. We won a lot of games. We don’t have to focus on this issue, but there are people who want to hurt Barca and Leo.

“Messi has been demonstrating his quality as a footballer for years, has helped a lot to make this club great and has helped a lot to win titles.”

Barca threaten legal action

Reports in Spain say that Messi will take legal action against the newspaper. Barcelona have also said they will take “appropriate legal action” against the publication - after denying the club was the source of the leak.

In a statement Barca said: “In view of the information published today in the newspaper El Mundo, in relation to the professional contract signed between FC Barcelona and the player Lionel Messi, the club regrets its publication given that it is a private document governed by the principle of confidentiality between the parties.

“FC Barcelona categorically denies any responsibility for the publication of this document, and will take appropriate legal action against the newspaper El Mundo, for any damage that may be caused as a result of this publication.

“FC Barcelona expresses its absolute support for Lionel Messi, especially in the face of any attempt to discredit his image, and to damage his relationship with the entity where he has worked to become the best player in the world and in football history.”

The world of football is in shock after Lionel Messi handed in a transfer request at FC Barcelona.

According to BBC Sport, the Argentine sent a fax to the Spanish club requesting his right to exercise a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave for free with immediate effect.

Barcelona do not agree that the clause is still active, Sky Sports reports: it is said to have expired on 10 June. However, Messi and his team believe the clause should be extended to reflect the prolonged season.

His current deal expires in 2021 and he has a buy-out clause set at a whopping €700m (£631.7m). The BBC says a legal battle is set to follow between the club and player.

Sources have told ESPN that Manchester City are “crunching the numbers” to see if they can afford the six-time Ballon d’Or winner without breaching Financial Fair Play rules.

The Daily Mail reports that Messi has “already contacted Pep Guardiola over a sensational move to Manchester City”. But Barcelona believe Manchester United have started negotiations with the player’s agent.

Barca in crisis

Messi’s future has been the subject of rumour following a torrid season for Barcelona in which they failed to win a trophy.

Since the turn of the year the Catalans have sacked two head coaches, lost the La Liga title to Real Madrid and suffered a humiliating 8-2 defeat against Bayern Munich in the Uefa Champions League quarter-final.

In February Messi was also involved in a “row” with sporting director Eric Abidal following the sacking of Ernesto Valverde - which had already put Man City on “red alert”.

After Quique Setién’s firing last week, Ronald Koeman was appointed as the new head coach at Barca and Messi is regarded as a key “pillar” in the rebuild of the Camp Nou squad.

Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu says Messi is not for sale, but The Sun reports that City are willing to pay “whatever it takes” to clinch a deal for the world’s best footballer.

Do City really need Messi?

Man City head coach Guardiola would surely welcome Messi to the Etihad Stadium having previously managed the forward when he was Barcelona boss.

The pair won the Champions League together with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011, but Guardiola and City are still to add Europe’s top club trophy to their cabinet.

The potential arrival of Messi would signal City’s intention to win back the Premier League title from Liverpool and try again to become champions of Europe.

However, is it in attack where City really need reinforcements?

Argentinian 32-year-old striker Sergio Agüero, City’s all-time record goalscorer, will need replacing in the next season or two, but is a 33-year-old Argentine (Messi) the right player to come in?

During Guardiola’s time at the Etihad, City have not exactly lacked goals. In the 2018-19 domestic treble-winning season City scored 169 goals as they lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup. And in 2019-20 they scored 149 goals with five players - Raheem Sterling (31), Gabriel Jesus (23), Agüero (17), Kevin De Bruyne (16) and Riyad Mahrez (13) - all reaching double figures.

But after finishing second in the Premier League, 18 points behind Liverpool, and also getting knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by Lyon, Guardiola will be looking to improve his squad yet again.

Defence is key

If Guardiola is to win the Champions League for the first time with City, it will take a number of big signings to bring the silver trophy to the blue side of Manchester.

Securing Messi would no doubt bring more goals to his attacking line-up, but defensive reinforcements will also need to be made.

The Sky Blues have already announced the £41m signing of Dutchman Nathan Ake from Bournemouth and according to reports one of Europe’s most in-demand defenders could also be heading to the Etihad.

The Manchester Evening News says Napoli and Senegal centre-half Kalidou Koulibaly is City’s “top transfer target” this summer and a deal is reportedly close to completion.

With Ake already in and a deal for Koulibaly looking near, the new-look defence could make the vital difference for City’s ambitions of winning back the Premier League title.

Bringing in a superstar like Messi may just help City secure the Holy Grail, the Champions League. The finance department at the Etihad will no doubt be busy crunching those numbers.

1. Pele: there won’t be anyone else like me

In the Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi debate Pele has opted for the Juventus and Portugal superstar.

However, in terms of the greatest footballer ever the Brazilian legend believes he’s still the No.1.

The 79-year-old, who won three World Cups, said on YouTube channel Pilhado: “Right now I think Cristiano Ronaldo is the most consistent player out there, but you can’t forget about Messi.”

On who is the best ever player, he added: “We mustn’t forget Zico and Ronaldinho. People always talk about European players like [Franz] Beckenbauer and [Johan] Cruyff.

“It’s not my fault, but I think I was better than all of them. There will only be one Pele. There won’t be anyone else like me.”

2. Guardiola and Messi donate €1m

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has donated €1m (£920,000) to help fight the coronavirus outbreak in Spain.

The money will be donated to a campaign spearheaded by the Medical College of Barcelona and the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation.

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has also donated €1m, which will be split between the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona and a medical facility in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina.

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3. Petit: Liverpool ‘more impressive’ than the Arsenal Invincibles

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes the current Liverpool team is “more impressive” than the Gunners’s “Invincibles” side who went a season unbeaten in 2003-04.

Petit told the Daily Mirror: “It’s amazing what they [Liverpool] are doing - it is rare to see a team winning so many games and being so dominant against their opponents all the time.

“They were both great teams in history, but for me this Liverpool team have something special. It is hard to explain what I feel when I look at Liverpool, but I don’t remember thinking the same way when I was looking at the Invincibles.

“They have impressed me more than Arsenal’s Invincibles. I am pretty sure Arsenal fans won’t be happy with that. But I have to be honest. When I look at this team, the motivation, the intensity, so many talented players. Something is different with them.”

4. Zlatan held talks with Leeds

Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has revealed that the Championship club held talks with Zlatan Ibrahimovic before the Swedish star rejoined AC Milan in January.

Radrizzani told Sky in Italy: “I spoke with Zlatan Ibrahimovic more concretely. He could have given us that decisive push but he decided to go to AC Milan. He has been very honest and transparent with me.”

5. Newton released by the Panthers

NFL’s Carolina Panthers have released star quarterback Cam Newton.

The 30-year-old spent nine years with the Panthers and led them to the Super Bowl in 2015 where they lost to the Denver Broncos. But in recent seasons he has struggled with injuries to his shoulder and foot.

“Cam has meant a lot to this organisation and the Carolinas,” said general manager Marty Hurney. “Everyone saw his performances on the field. I had the privilege of seeing how hard he worked off the field, and his commitment to this team when no one was watching.”

6. Hornets offer facilities to the NHS

Premier League club Watford have offered all of their facilities for exclusive use of West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust (WHHT) during the coronavirus pandemic.

Scott Duxbury, Watford’s chairman and CEO, said: “We need to forget football right now and concentrate on doing all we can to support the NHS and, in particular, Watford General Hospital.

“Our proximity as a football club next door to a hospital puts us in a great position to offer help and we’re keen to do whatever we possibly can to support NHS staff and their families.”

Christine Allen, chief executive of West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Right now, we are doing all we can to make sure we can focus on caring for our sickest patients. We have found ourselves needing extra space very quickly.

“For example, we are running refresher training to our clinical staff so that they can care for patients with breathing difficulties. And we also need more space so that we can stick to important guidance about social distancing for our staff induction sessions and for key meetings when we need our senior leadership teams around the table.

“The club’s support is helping us to run our organisation safely and we are very grateful for their support at this challenging time.”

7. Sterling: Liverpool are always in my heart

Despite leaving Liverpool for Manchester City in a controversial transfer in 2015 Raheem Sterling admits that the Anfield club are “always in my heart”.

England striker Sterling spent five years at Anfield and in a live social media Q&A he was asked if he would ever return to the Reds.

On the Colossal Sports Management Instagram account, Sterling said: “Would I ever go back to Liverpool? To be honest with you, I love Liverpool. Don’t get it twisted, they are always in my heart, do you know what I mean? It’s a team that [has] done a lot for me growing up.”

Juventus may turn to Jesus and Kane gives injury update

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8. Transfer window of opportunity

Daily Mirror reports that the summer football transfer window could “stay open until January”. With football in an historic limbo, and no matches envisaged before May, there is confusion about how the summer transfer market will work.

The Mirror says that if the season does start again in May and go until the start of July that will “cause havoc for the transfer market”. As a result talks are underway between the relevant bodies to reach a solution, and one option is to extend the summer transfer window until January, instead of closing it on 1 September.

Transfer ‘free-for-all’ as summer window could stay open until January

9. Marathon effort by balcony runner

A French athlete whose marathon was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic ran the entire 26.2 miles on his 23-foot-long balcony.

Elisha Nochomovitz completed the run in six hours and 48 minutes after performing approximately 3,000 laps of the balcony. His girlfriend fed him M&M’s and Coca-Cola as he ran.

10. Back pages: Time up for Tokyo… for now

“Time runs out for Tokyo” is the headline on the back page of the Independent above a striking photo of the illuminated Olympic rings against the night sky of Japan’s capital.

Not surprisingly the papers all lead with the news that the summer Olympics and Paralympics have been postponed until 2021.

Today’s back pages

Olympic flame will continue to burn in Tokyo, football’s window of opportunity, Kane on the mend

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A crisis like the coronavirus is nothing if not a test of a person’s character and Pep Guardiola has shown his mettle by donating €1m (£920,000) to help fight the pandemic in his homeland.

Spain has been hit hardest of all European nations after Italy, with nearly 3,000 deaths and more than 42,000 cases.

The Manchester City manager has returned to his home in Barcelona to be close to his family, and according to BBC Sport Guardiola has been “working with his lawyers over the past few days to work out the best way of using the money”.

A decision has now been reached and the money will be donated to a campaign spearheaded by the Medical College of Barcelona and the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation.

Like every country badly affected by coronavirus, Spain desperately needs more medical equipment to deal with the growing number of people hospitalised with breathing difficulties.

The BBC says that Guardiola’s donation will be used to purchase medical equipment and protective material for the hospital staff working on the frontline of the war with coronavirus.

Arsenal support community in Covid-19 crisis

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Magnificent Messi

Guardiola’s munificence has been matched by that of FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

CBS reports that the Barca captain has also donated €1m which will be split between the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona and a medical facility in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina.

Although there have been fewer than 300 cases of coronavirus in Argentina so far, the country is in its third year of recession and there are concerns that if the pandemic takes hold it will struggle to respond.

It’s not the first time that Messi has acted in such a manner; in the past he helped fund a new cancer wing at the Sant Joan de Deu children’s hospital in Barcelona.

Barca stars to take a pay cut?

A study by France Football magazine has this week revealed that Messi is the world’s highest-paid player ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. The publication reports that the Argentine will have a total annual income this year of €131m (£121m).

However, with football suspended in Spain Messi and his team-mates could be hit hard in the pocket.

Barcelona are “locked in talks” with senior players - including Messi - to try and reduce their wage bill because of the economic impact of the virus.

According to reports the Catalan giants’s annual wage bill of £438m is the highest in Europe and Messi earns a staggering £1.15m a week.

Spanish newspaper Marca said: “The Barcelona board are in discussions with the captains of the club over a possible reduction to the players’ salaries due to the economic impact of the coronavirus.

“One of the measures that was discussed at a board meeting was the possibility of a wage cut until the end of the season.

“The reaction from the players has been positive, but no agreement can currently be reached without knowing for how long official competitions will be suspended.”

German giants do their bit

In Germany Bayern Munich have followed the example of rivals Borussia Dortmund and “agreed to take a 20% pay cut while there is no football”.

The Times reports that the Munich squad have accepted the measure in order to prevent the club laying off administrative staff.

Bayern’s annual wage bill is “roughly £308m, so the gesture has saved the club tens of millions of pounds”, and the Times predicts it will increase the pressure on Premier League players to show similar altruism in the coming weeks as English clubs struggle financially.

Today’s back pages

Olympic flame will continue to burn in Tokyo, football’s transfer window of opportunity, Kane on the mend

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1. Biles wins third Laureus gong

American gymnastics star Simone Biles has won the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year award for a third time.

The 22-year-old was a five-time gold medal winner at last year’s world championships and has also won four Olympic golds. She is tipped to add more titles at this summer’s games in Tokyo.

Speaking from her Olympics training base in Houston, Biles said: “This means the world to me. I want to thank my family and friends.”

Five-time Olympic gold medalist Nadia Comaneci praised Biles for her domination of the sport.

She said: “There cannot be many sportsmen or women who dominate their sports the way she has in gymnastics.

“We have to keep remembering that she is just 22, and she is likely to win another stack of gold medals in the Tokyo Olympics.”

2. Hamilton and Messi share men’s award

For the first time ever there was a joint-winner of the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award with six-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton and Barcelona superstar footballer Lionel Messi sharing the gong.

In a video message Messi said: “I am honoured to be the first to win this award being a sportsperson coming from a team sport, and not an individual sport which is usually the case.”

British driver Hamilton used his acceptance speech to call for more diversity in F1. He said: “I’ve grown up in a sport that has very little to no diversity and I think it’s an issue we’re continually facing. It’s all of our responsibility to use our platform for that, to push for gender equality, inclusivity, for making sure we are engaging and trying to represent where the world is today.”

2020 Laureus awards: the winners

• Sportsman: Lionel Messi and Lewis Hamilton
• Sportswoman: Simone Biles
• Comeback: Sophia Floersch
• Team: South Africa men’s rugby team
• Sporting moment: India men’s cricket team
• Breakthrough: Egan Bernal
• Sportsperson with a disability: Oksana Masters
• Action sportsperson: Chloe Kim
• Academy exceptional achievement award: Spanish Basketball Federation
• Sport for good award: South Bronx United
• Lifetime achievement award: Dirk Nowitzki

3. F1: Imola bids to replace China

Imola circuit director Roberto Marazzi has revealed that the former Formula 1 venue has submitted an application to the FIA to replace the Chinese Grand Prix, which has been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Marazzi said: “We have indeed submitted an application to the FIA and the F1 organisation to replace the Chinese GP. We have not yet received a response. I expect it is difficult to get everything arranged.”

F1: could Imola take China’s place in the 2020 grand prix calendar?

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4. The Champions League is back!

European football’s top club competition, the Uefa Champions League, returns this evening with two round of 16 first leg ties. Premier League leaders and holders Liverpool travel to Spain to take on Atletico Madrid while Borussia Dortmund host Paris Saint-Germain.

Tonight’s UCL last-16 first leg fixtures

• Atletico Madrid vs. Liverpool (8pm, live on BT Sport 2)
• Borussia Dortmund vs. Paris Saint Germain (8pm, live on BT Sport 3)

Tomorrow’s UCL last-16 first leg fixtures

• Atalanta vs. Valencia (8pm, live on BT Sport 3)
• Tottenham Hotspur vs. RB Leipzig (8pm, live on BT Sport 2)

5. Newman crash mars Daytona 500

Yesterday’s Daytona 500 in Florida, Nascar’s biggest race, was overshadowed by a huge crash involving American driver Ryan Newman. The 42-year-old is in a serious condition but his injuries are not life-threatening, Nascar said in a statement.

Denny Hamlin won the race and became the fourth driver in Nascar history to secure back-to-back victories at Daytona International Speedway.

6. Wilder vs. Fury for a third time?

Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury will go head-to-head in their huge WBC heavyweight title rematch this weekend, but according to the British challenger there’s an agreement already in place for a third fight whatever the result in Las Vegas.

Fury said: “I think the money is too big not to have it. This is the prizefighting game and there is too much money in the pot for him not to want the rematch, even if he loses.”

Wilder vs. Fury II: fight guide, preview and predictions

7. England women thrashed by Sri Lanka

England women’s cricket captain Heather Knight admits that the ten-wicket defeat by Sri Lanka should give the team a “kick up the backside” ahead of the T20 World Cup which starts this week in Australia.

Knight said after the warm-up defeat: “It was a disappointing performance, but I’d rather we got it out of the way ahead of the World Cup.

“It might give us a little kick up the backside, which might not be a bad thing. We’re still in a good place.”

England start their T20 World Cup campaign on Sunday against South Africa in Perth (11am, live on Sky Sports).

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8. Lampard: VAR is soul destroying

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard described the video assistant referee (VAR) as “soul destroying” after three crucial calls were made in the Blues’s 2-0 defeat against Manchester United last night.

When asked about the controversial decisions Lampard said: “I’ve seen it again and VAR is there for that and they didn’t get it right. Harry Maguire should have been sent off, that’s clear, and that obviously changes the game.”

‘Soul destroying’ for Lampard: reactions to Man Utd’s VAR-cical victory

9. Sexist or common sense?

Ex-England boss Fabio Capello has “reignited the debate” about reducing the size of the goal for female footballers.

In a panel discussion at the Laureus World Sports Awards with Jill Ellis, the World Cup-winning former United States head coach, Capello said: “I think the goal for the women is too big… every time when you shoot at the goal, for the ’keeper it’s really difficult.”

Ellis, who coached the US to their second successive World Cup victory last summer, “respectfully disagreed” with the Italian, saying: “The purity of the game is the purity of the game and we all love that. We’ve grown up with the game and I don’t think we feel that we need to modify that.”

10. Back pages: Wenger has his say on Man City

Metro reports that former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has backed Uefa for banning Manchester City from the Champions League for two seasons for breaching Financial Fair Play rules.

“It is important for the clubs to work with the natural income they have,” said the Frenchman. “The point of sport is basically to win, but by respecting the rules.

“We celebrate the best in every sport but we need to know they respect the rules. If that doesn’t happen it is not real sport so that’s why it’s so important. Once you play in a competition you agree to the rules.”

Today’s back pages

Wenger backs Uefa over Man City ban and Chelsea are left feeling blue

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Messi to Man City?

Could Barcelona’s superstar striker Lionel Messi soon be wearing the sky blue of Manchester City?

According to the back page of The Times, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that the goal machine might swap the Camp Nou for the Etihad after what the paper describes as a “spat” with Barcelona.

The Times states that City are “monitoring Lionel Messi’s situation amid claims that the Argentina star could leave Barcelona at the end of the season”.

Apparently Messi is hopping mad with Eric Abidal after the Barca sporting director suggested in an interview that the South American striker was involved in the sacking of the head coach Ernesto Valverde last month.

The Sun is also in on the act with a “Nou Dawn” headline.

The paper claims that City manager Pep Guardiola is on “red alert” in the hope of bringing his former charge to Manchester having coached Messi at Barcelona from 2008 to 2012.

Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo: all-time career goals and records

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Spurs win five-goal cup thriller

Tottenham’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Southampton in their FA Cup fourth-round replay makes most of the back pages.

“Son’s top Gunn” is the headline in the Daily Express after Son Heung-min converted an 87th-minute penalty past Angus Gunn to break the hearts of the Saints.

The Daily Mail also pays homage to the South Korean ace with its “Son silences Saints” headline but both papers cover all the drama of the 90 minutes that saw Southampton fight back from a goal down to lead 2-1 only for Lucas Moura to level with 12 minutes left.

Then came Son’s moment of glory when he converted a penalty three minutes from time after being fouled by goalkeeper Gunn.

If that wasn’t enough drama, there was also the horrific knee injury suffered by Saints midfielder James Ward-Prowse, and the Sun’s back page is not for the faint-hearted.

Above a close-up photo of the injury, the paper screams “It’s emergency Ward-Prowse”. Tasteless but sharp.

Tottenham will now play Norwich City at home in the FA Cup fifth round.

FA Cup fifth-round draw

Ties to be played week commencing 2 March

• Sheffield Wednesday vs. Manchester City
• Reading vs. Sheffield United
• Chelsea vs. Liverpool
• West Bromwich Albion vs. Newcastle United
• Leicester City vs. Birmingham City
• Derby County vs. Manchester United
• Tottenham Hotspur vs. Norwich City
• Portsmouth vs. Arsenal

Today’s sport headlines

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A storm has erupted at FC Barcelona with captain Lionel Messi hitting out at the club’s sporting director Eric Abidal.

In an interview with Spanish newspaper Diario Sport, ex-Barca defender Abidal criticised the club’s players for not working hard enough under former head coach Ernesto Valverde.

Frenchman Abidal said: “I watched the games and didn’t look at the result. But I looked at how the games were played, the tactics and the work of the players who didn’t play much. I looked at those details.

“Many players were not satisfied or weren’t working hard and there was also an internal communication issue. The coach and dressing room relationship has always been good, but there are things that I can smell as a former player.

“I told the club what I thought and they had to make a decision.”

Messi’s response

Valverde was sacked by the Spanish champions in January and he was replaced by Quique Setien.

Abidal’s suggestion that the players were not working hard enough for Valverde has angered Messi, the club’s captain and star player.

In a post on Instagram the Argentine hit back at Abidal’s claims and called on the sporting director to “give names”.

Messi said: “I honestly do not like doing these things, but I think everyone has to be responsible for their tasks and take care of their decisions.

“The players are responsible for what happens on the pitch and we are also the first to recognise when we’re not doing well.

“Those responsible for the sports management must also assume their responsibilities and, above all, take ownership of the decisions they make.

“Finally, I think that when talking about players, names should be given. Because if not then we are tarred with comments that are said and are not true.”

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Major trust issues at the Camp Nou

Spanish newspaper Marca says there is a “minefield of distrust” within the club and the Catalans are “experiencing their worst crisis for years”.

Marca’s Luis F. Rojo wrote: “Barcelona are now in a situation wherein nobody trusts anyone, and tension is high. [Club president] Josep Maria Bartomeu doesn’t trust Abidal for all that happened this winter, particularly the failure to land Xavi Hernandez or a new forward.

“The dressing room is also surrounded by distrust. Barcelona have big problems, and they don’t look like they’re going away soon.”

AS writer Juan Jiménez says the Barcelona crisis has “boiled over” and he expects there will be consequences after the war of words.

Jiménez wrote: “Messi’s reaction highlights just how serious the institutional crisis at Barcelona has become - because every declaration made by the Argentinean in public, more so if it is critical, has immediate consequences. This will surely be no exception…”

Could Messi or Abidal leave?

ESPN senior writer Gabriele Marcotti says “make no mistake” Messi’s response is a “direct challenge to the Catalans’ hierarchy”.

Marcotti reports: “It’s also the kind of move that ends one of three ways: Abidal walks his comments back and issues a grovelling apology to Messi and his teammates, Barcelona get themselves a new sporting director [and possibly a new president at the next election], or Messi leaves the club.

“While that final one is about as likely as Liverpool not winning the 2019-20 Premier League, it is still, theoretically, a possibility.”

The Guardian’s Sid Lowe adds: “The spectre of losing Messi, so often the man holding Barcelona together in recent years, is a terrifying one for the club.”

Meanwhile, Sky Sports reports that Barca president Bartomeu has called a meeting with Abidal to discuss the sporting director’s future at the club.

Problems on the pitch

As well as issues off the pitch there has also been problems on it. After 22 matches in La Liga defending champions Barca are currently three points behind leaders Real Madrid.

Valverde was sacked in mid-January after a number of poor results in the first half of the season. New boss Setien has overseen four victories in his first five matches - two in La Liga and two in the Copa del Rey - but his team were beaten 2-0 by Valencia in a league clash on 25 January.

Barca have also been hit by injuries. French forward Ousmane Dembélé is out for the rest of the season with a ruptured tendon in his thigh. Striker Luis Suárez is also set for a long spell on the sidelines after having a knee operation.

Messi and his team-mates will hope to ease the club’s issues by performing on the pitch.

On Thursday night Barcelona travel to Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-final of the Copa del Rey (8pm GMT) and on Sunday they are away at Real Betis in La Liga (8pm GMT).

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Forbes has published its list of the highest-paid sports stars from 2010 to 2019 and the usual suspects can be found at the top of the money tree.

In No.1 spot for the past decade is Floyd Mayweather, the American boxing icon who held multiple world titles in five weight classes and has an unbeaten professional record of 50 wins from 50 bouts.

Mayweather, who is nicknamed “Money”, raked in $915m (£698.3m) from 2010 to 2019. His two mega-fights - against Manny Pacquiao in 2015 and Conor McGregor in 2017 - earned him $500m (£381.7m) during the lucrative ten years.

According to Forbes Mayweather made $115m (£87.8m) more than any other sports star during the decade “without collecting a single paycheck from a team owner or an eye-popping sponsorship deal”.

In November it was reported that the 42-year-old is planning on coming out of retirement in 2020.

Football rivals rank highly

Second and third on the list behind boxing icon Mayweather are football stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Juventus and Portugal captain Ronaldo amassed $800m (£610.5m) from 2010 to 2019 while his great rival Messi, who plays for Barcelona and Argentina, pocketed $750m (£572.4m).

In its list of the world’s highest-paid athletes for 2019, Forbes reported that Messi took the No.1 spot ahead of Ronaldo after earning $127m (£99.9m) from June 2018 to June 2019.

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Serena the highest-paid woman

Making up the top ten list for the decade are NBA stars LeBron James and Kevin Durant, tennis icon Roger Federer, golf’s Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, boxer Manny Pacquiao and Britain’s six-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.

American tennis star Serena Williams is the only woman in the top-40 highest-paid athletes of the decade. The 23-time grand slam champion earned $215m (£164.2).

How Forbes published its sport rich list

The magazine explains: “Annual rankings of top-earning athletes looks at salaries, prize money, bonuses, endorsements, appearance fees and licensing income. The top ten for the decade, which includes a pair from boxing, soccer, basketball and golf, collectively made $6.1bn [£4.6bn].

“No baseball, [American] football or [ice] hockey players made the cut. We also excluded earnings for athletes during their retirement years, keeping NBA stars like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan out of the top 10.”

Top ten highest-paid athletes of the decade

• 1. Floyd Mayweather (boxing): $915m (£698.3m)
• 2. Cristiano Ronaldo (football): $800m (£610.5m)
• 3. Lionel Messi (football): $750m (£572.4m)
• 4. LeBron James (NBA): $680m (£518.9m)
• 5. Roger Federer (tennis): $640m (£488.3m)
• 6. Tiger Woods (golf): $615m (£469.2m)
• 7. Phil Mickelson (golf): $480m (£366.2m)
• 8. Manny Pacquiao (boxing): $435m (£331.9m)
• 9. Kevin Durant (NBA): $425m (£324.2m)
• 10. Lewis Hamilton (Formula 1): $400m (£305.2m)

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Messi makes history

The Daily Telegraph’s back page features a photo of Barcelona forward Lionel Messi surrounded by Ballon d’Or trophies.

Argentina captain Messi made history last night by winning a record sixth Ballon d’Or. He has now moved one ahead of five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

It’s “six of the best” for Messi, says Metro, with the 32-year-old edging out Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk to win the award. Juventus striker Ronaldo finished third in the voting.

Speaking in Paris last night, Messi said: “Today is my sixth Ballon d’Or. It’s a completely different moment, lived with my family and my children.

“As my wife said, you must never stop dreaming but always work to improve and continue to enjoy. I am very lucky, I am blessed.

“I hope to continue for a long time. I realise that I am very lucky, even if, one day, retirement will ring. It will be difficult. But I still have beautiful years ahead of me. Time goes very quickly, so I want to enjoy football and my family.”

United States star Megan Rapinoe won the women’s Ballon d’Or. England’s Lucy Bronze and USA’s Alex Morgan finished second and third in the voting.

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Poch’s ready to return

The Times reports that Mauricio Pochettino is “open to offers” and is ready to make a quick return to football management.

Pochettino was sacked by Tottenham on 19 November and has been taking a short break in his homeland Argentina.

Metro says Arsenal and Manchester United have been put on alert after Pochettino admitted he is already listening to offers.

The 47-year-old said: “There are a lot of clubs and attractive projects for me to take on. But, for the time being, the most important thing is for me to clear my head after five-and-a-half incredible seasons with Tottenham.

“My aim is to seek the ability to rebuild myself and get my self-motivation back. It is my intention to return to manage in Europe. At my age I don’t need a lot of time to recover. I am open to listen to projects put before me.”

Today’s back pages

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1. ‘Messi to win sixth Ballon d’Or’

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reports that Lionel Messi is set to win a sixth career Ballon d’Or.

The Barcelona and Argentina star has “already been told of his win”, says the Daily Mail, even though the official ceremony is not until Monday 2 December.

According to Mundo Deportivo a team from France Football magazine, the Ballon d’Or organisers, travelled to Barcelona to tell the 32-year-old in person.

Messi and great rival Cristiano Ronaldo have both won the award five times and they are favourites along with Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.

Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe has backed Messi. The French World Cup winner said: “In individual terms, he [Lionel Messi] was the best this year.”

Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo: all-time goals and career records

2. Root out of Test batting top ten

England cricket captain Joe Root has dropped out of the top ten of the International Cricket Council’s Test batting rankings for the first time since August 2014.

The 28-year-old only scored two and 11 in the first Test defeat against New Zealand this week.

Australia star Steve Smith tops the Test batting rankings ahead of India’s Virat Kohli and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson.

3. Williamson to apologise to Archer

New Zealand cricket captain Kane Williamson will apologise to Jofra Archer in person after the England bowler suffered racial abuse from a supporter during the first Test this week.

Williamson told stuff.co.nz: “It’s against everything that we as Kiwis are about. I certainly hope nothing like that ever happens again.

“I can only apologise on behalf of Kiwis to Jofra, not only from our team and how we look to conduct ourselves, but what we expect of Kiwis in general.”

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4. The Hundred to start at The Oval

The first match of The Hundred men’s cricket tournament will see the Oval Invincibles face Welsh Fire at The Oval on Friday 17 July 2020. The 100-ball competition will continue through to the finals on Saturday 15 August.

The women’s Hundred starts on Wednesday 22 July with Birmingham Phoenix vs. Manchester Originals at Blackfinch New Road in Worcester. Women’s finals day will be on Friday 14 August.

5. Wisemantel leaves England set-up

England rugby head coach Eddie Jones has confirmed that attack coach Scott Wisemantel has left his role.

Jones said: “Scott’s contract finished at the end of the Rugby World Cup and we had some discussions but he has decided to move on. Whatever role he takes on next I know he will do an outstanding job because he was fantastic for us. We will miss him but we wish him all the best and his family.”

It’s reported by ESPN that Australian Wisemantel could join Dave Rennie’s Wallabies coaching team.

6. UK Athletics in crisis

The Guardian reports that UK Athletics (UKA) has “lurched into a fresh crisis” after chief executive Zara Hyde Peters lost her job before she had even begun.

She had failed to tell her local athletics club about her husband’s “inappropriate relationship” with a 15-year-old schoolgirl.

In the space of 10 months UKA has lost its chief executive, performance director and chair – and failed to hit its medal target at the recent world championships.

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7. Is Zlatan on his way to Hammarby?

The Sun reports that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has appeared to confirm a transfer to Hammarby - but the Swedish club deny a deal has been done. He tweeted a video of a Hammarby shirt with his name on.

Ibrahimovic recently left MLS side LA Galaxy, who are owned by Philip Anschutz of the Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG). AEG also has a 45% stake in Hammarby.

Zlatan to Tottenham? ‘No chance’ says Mourinho as Spurs have Kane

8. Who will qualify for the UCL last 16?

Uefa Champions League football returns tonight and tomorrow with matchday five of the 2019-20 group stage.

European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus are the first three teams to already qualify for the knockout stages.

Premier League sides Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham can all secure their last-16 places tonight.

Champions League matchday five: fixtures, group permutations, TV guide

9. Hamilton nominated for SPOTY

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has been nominated for the 2019 BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) award.

The six-time F1 world champion is included on the six-person shortlist along with Team GB athletes Dina Asher-Smith and Katarina Johnson-Thompson, England cricketer Ben Stokes, England footballer Raheem Sterling and Welsh rugby union star Alun Wyn Jones.

SPOTY 2019 will be held on Sunday 15 December in Aberdeen and voting will be open to the public. The programme on BBC One will start at 7pm.

F1: Max Verstappen ‘not bothered’ by Mercedes and Ferrari speculation

10. Pep: I want Arteta to stay at Man City

Manchester City will not allow Mikel Arteta to leave the club this season, says head coach Pep Guardiola, as speculation increases that Arsenal have identified the Spaniard as their No.1 target to replace Unai Emery.

With Everton also interested in Arteta as an alternative to Marco Silva, Guardiola felt obliged to address his assistant’s situation on the eve of their Champions League group C clash with Shakhtar Donetsk tonight.

“I’d like him to stay with us as much as possible,” said Guardiola. “Manchester City has an incredible, valuable person to work in this club for the future, but personal life is personal life and professional desire is for professionals and everyone, not just me.”

Today’s back pages

‘Auba and out’ for Arsenal boss Emery - star Gunners could be goners

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David Beckham has reportedly approached Lionel Messi about making a sensational move to Major League Soccer (MLS).

Beckham’s Inter Miami will join the MLS in 2020 and the former England captain, president of the Florida franchise, is keen to make Messi the club’s marquee signing.

Radio Catalunya in Barcelona claims that Beckham has reached out to Messi’s representatives and ESPN says that the station’s presenter Xavi Campos believes a “huge” deal could interest the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

The Miami Herald reports that the new MLS team are not commenting on the latest rumours, but Beckham has previously spoken about his wish-list of players, such as Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

In March former Manchester United midfielder Beckham said: “Everyone has their wish list, everyone does, but if you look at the way Leo and Cristiano are still playing, even at what you might think is the later stage of their careers, I don’t see it ending for them.

“They’re playing at such a high level that it’s hard to see them leaving the clubs they are at, but we will see. You never know what can happen in football.”

Could Messi ever leave Barca?

It was widely reported this week that despite Messi having a contract until 2021 the 32-year-old would be free to leave Barcelona at the end of the season.

However, the Catalan giants obviously don’t want to lose their captain and star player. Messi has only ever played senior club football for Barca and has scored 603 goals in 687 appearances.

Spanish newspaper AS, citing information published by Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo, says Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu has hit back at claims that Messi could depart at the end of the 2019-20 season.

On Sunday Mundo Deportivo said that Barca are in fact planning to offer Messi a “lifetime contract”.

Camp Nou chief Bartomeu told Barca TV: “He signed until 2021. And it was agreed that, when the penultimate season finished, he would have the power to leave for free. He has the liberty to decide his future. But he is very ‘culé’ and I’m relaxed.

“Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta and [Carles] Puyol had the same clause. To Messi, the best player of all time, we couldn’t give him a different clause.

“But I repeat: I have no doubt he will stay here for many years. He will be here as long as he is able to perform for Barcelona. Let’s hope we have him until he is 40 years old.”

Forbes magazine has published its list of the world’s highest-paid athletes for 2019 and there’s some familiar names in the top ten.

Calculating combined earnings - prize money, salaries and endorsements - from June 2018 to June 2019, Forbes’s top 100 rich list features ten sports and athletes from 25 countries.

Forbes writer Kurt Badenhausen reports that the cut-off to break into the top 100 was $25m (£19.6m) this year, compared to $17.3m (£13.6m) five years ago.

The combined earnings for this year’s top 100 was $4bn (£3.14bn) - an increase of 5% from 2018.

American boxer Floyd Mayweather finished No.1 in 2018 with earnings of $285m (£224.2m) and this year it’s football that dominates the top spots.

Barcelona and Argentina footballer Lionel Messi takes the No.1 spot after earning $127m (£99.9m) in the past 12 months. The 31-year-old’s combined total includes a salary/winnings of $92m (£72.3) and $35m (£27.5m) in endorsements.

Juventus striker Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s great rival, is second on the list after earning $109m (£85.7m). The Portugal captain was No.1 in 2016 and 2017.

Neymar, the Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil forward, is third with $105m (£82.6m). Completing the top ten are boxer Canelo Alvarez, tennis star Roger Federer, NFL quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers, and NBA stars LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.

Serena Williams is the highest-paid female athlete on the list after earning $29.2m (£22.9m). The American tennis star is joint-63rd in the top-100 ranking.

Only seven athletes have topped the Forbes list since 1990. US golf icon Tiger Woods has finished No.1 a record 12 times.

2019 highest-paid athletes: the top ten

Prize money, salaries and endorsements from June 2018 to June 2019, according to Forbes.

• 1. Lionel Messi (football): $127m (£99.9m)
• 2. Cristiano Ronaldo (football): $109m (£85.7m)
• 3. Neymar (football): $105m (£85.7m)
• 4. Canelo Alvarez (boxing): $94m (£73.9m)
• 5. Roger Federer (tennis): $93.4m (£73.4m)
• 6. Russell Wilson (NFL): $89.5m (£70.4m)
• 7. Aaron Rodgers (NFL): $89.3m (£70.2m)
• 8. LeBron James (NBA): $89m (£70m)
• 9. Stephen Curry (NBA): $79.8m (£62.7m)
• 10. Kevin Durant (NBA): $65.4m (£51.4)

1. Koepka: DJ chants spurred me on

Brooks Koepka successfully defended the US PGA Championship title after finishing two shots clear of Dustin Johnson at Bethpage Black.

The 29-year-old, who is now a four-time major winner, revealed that he was boosted by the fans’ support for world No.1 Johnson.

Koepka said: “I’m glad to have this trophy back in my hands. With the ‘DJ’ chants, I was aware of what was going on. He did an unbelievable job of putting pressure on me. When they started chanting for DJ on the 14th, it actually helped. It helped me focus. I think it was the best thing that could’ve happened.”

2. 50 goals for Pichichi winner Messi

Lionel Messi scored his 49th and 50th goals in all competitions for Barcelona this season as the Catalans drew 2-2 at Eibar in their final La Liga match of 2018-19. Messi’s 36 goals in 38 league games secures him the ‘Pichichi’ award for La Liga’s top scorer. It’s the third season in a row he has won the Pichichi and he has equalled Telmo Zarra’s record of six.

3. Maguire to replace Kompany?

Vincent Kompany’s departure has left a giant hole in Manchester City’s defence. With Kompany taking over as player-manager of Belgian side Anderlecht who could City target to replace their captain? According to reports Leicester and England defender Harry Maguire is Pep Guardiola’s No.1 choice. See more Premier League transfer news here.

4. Nadal is favourite for French title

King of clay Rafael Nadal has sent a warning to his rivals ahead of the French Open grand slam which starts this weekend at Roland-Garros. Nadal was in superb form as he crushed Novak Djokovic in the final of the Italian Open. Djokovic said: “Nadal [is the] number one favourite, without a doubt. And then everyone else.”

5. Fans call for Wilder-Joshua bout

Boxing fans are calling for a heavyweight showdown between Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua. WBC champion Wilder was in supreme form at the weekend with a first-round knockout of Dominic Breazeale in New York. British star Joshua - the reigning IBF, WBA and WBO champion - fights Andy Ruiz Jr on 1 June.

6. England seal ODI series win

England will head into the Cricket World Cup in confident mood after completing a 4-0 victory against Pakistan in the one-day international series. England name their World Cup squad on Tuesday ahead of the opening match against South Africa at The Oval on 30 May.

7. Amir gets Pakistan call up

Pakistan have named their 15-man squad for the Cricket World Cup and there’s a spot for pace bowler Mohammad Amir.

Pakistan squad for the Cricket World Cup

• Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain, wkt), Asif Ali, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Wahab Riaz

8. McLaren won’t buy Indy 500 spot for Alonso

McLaren and Fernando Alonso have failed to qualify for Sunday’s Indianapolis 500. It had been suggested that McLaren may buy a rival team’s entry for the race, but CEO Zak Brown said: “We’ll come back fighting. We don’t want to buy in. We want to earn it. Anyone can buy in. We want to get in on merit.”

9. Bronze tells Duggan: we will win World Cup instead

England footballers Lucy Bronze and Toni Duggan had mixed emotions in the Women’s Champions League final at the weekend. Bronze’s Lyon were 4-1 winners against Duggan’s Barcelona in the final in Budapest. French side Lyon won their fourth title in a row and Bronze said: “I think she [Duggan] played well but obviously it’s unfortunate that we both can’t win. I just grabbed her and said we would just win the World Cup together instead.”

10. Chadwick joins Williams Academy

British female racing star Jamie Chadwick has joined the Williams Academy as a development driver.

The 21-year-old, who is currently racing in the W Series, said: “It is a great honour to be joining the Williams Racing Driver Academy. The time in the simulator is a fantastic opportunity to aid with my development.

“I look forward to spending time in the factory at Grove, immersing myself within the team and assisting wherever I can. Being a part of the Driver Academy is an amazing platform and I’m excited to get started.”

It may be possible that the world’s football writers and editors are running out of ways to describe the brilliance of Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

The Argentine was on target twice as Barca beat Liverpool 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. While Messi’s first goal was a rebound from close range, after Luis Suarez’s shot came off the crossbar, his second was truly spectacular.

Messi stepped up to curl a wonder free-kick into the top corner to not only score Barca’s third of the night but his 600th career club goal for the Catalans.

Today’s newspaper back pages focus on Messi and his superb set-piece. The Guardian describes him as “from another planet” while The Daily Telegraph calls him a “maestro”. Both the Daily Mirror and the Daily Express declare that the No.10 is a “genius”.

Suarez opened the scoring in the first-half and The Sun back page leads with a headline of “Chew know who!” as the former Liverpool striker and Messi ripped Jurgen Klopp’s side to bits.

The Daily Mail reports that Klopp and Liverpool have been “left in a right Messi” after the first leg defeat at the Camp Nou. Metro says the Premier League side have “Messed up” and were made to pay for their missed chances.

Ruby retires

The Racing Post leads the tributes to star jump jockey Ruby Walsh who has announced his retirement. In his final race the 39-year-old rode Kemboy to victory in the Punchestown Gold Cup.

Uefa Champions League semi-final first leg Barcelona 3 Liverpool 0

Lionel Messi hurt Liverpool with two late goals last night to leave the Reds on the brink of elimination from the Champions League.

The visitors had made life uncomfortable for Barcelona the semi-final first leg in the Camp Nou but failed to take the chances that fell their way - in contrast to their hosts.

Former Anfield star Luis Suarez put Barca one up midway through the first half by timing a run into the penalty area to perfection, flicking home Jordi Alba’s gloriously weighted pass.

Messi magic

Then Messi doubled the advantage on 75 minutes, when he was first to pounce on the rebound as Suarez’s shot came off the bar.

Seven minutes later, the Argentine scored his second of the evening, and his 600th goal for Barcelona, weaving his magic from a free-kick.

Even Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had to smile as Messi put the ball into the Reds’ top corner from 25 yards out.

It was 14 years to the day since Messi scored his first for Barcelona - against Albacete - and since then he has established himself as one of the legends of the game, reaching 600 senior club goals in 118 games fewer than rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I’d rather not think about how he does it, to be honest, but he always shows up when we need him the most,” said Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde. “This time just when we were in situations in which we had to shake Liverpool’s domination off.”

Costly misses

Liverpool could, and should, have scored a crucial away goal, but James Milner was twice denied by Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Roberto Firmino’s effort was cleared off the line, and Mohamed Salah hit the post as he followed up with the goal at his mercy.

Thoses misses could prove costly when the two sides meet at Anfield in the second leg on Tuesday 7 May (8pm, live on BT Sport).

The worry for Liverpool, as Klopp conceded, is that apart from burying their chances, his side played some great football.

“I think it was the best away game in the Champions League - not only this year, last year included,” said the German. “I told the boys I’m proud of how we played. Against a side like this, playing this kind of football, I was completely happy.”

Bravehearts

In the second half, Liverpool not only had more possession than their hosts (57.4%), they also had more shots on target (four to three). Those stats, explained Klopp, are reasons to be cheerful.

“I can work really well with this game,” he said. “I will use this game to show the boys what is possible. It was a brave performance that was very passionate, very lively and, in a lot of moments, creative and direct.”

What they said about the magic of Messi

Ernesto Valverde, Barcelona head coach: “The truth is, Leo’s always surprising… In the end, I don’t know how he does it, but he always does.”

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool manager: “Obviously, we couldn’t defend the free-kick. What a strike. He’s a world-class player. In these moments, he’s unstoppable.”

Cesc Fabregas, former Barcelona midfielder: “Hats off to Liverpool, what an amazing performance. You can only lose a game like that if against you there is a good team but specially a player that is well above the rest.”

Gary Lineker, former England striker and BT Sport pundit: “WOW! Just Wow. Messi scores his 600th goal for @FCBarcelona with as good a freekick as you’ll ever see. The little genius defies logic.”

Rio Ferdinand, former England defender and BT Sport pundit: “Running at this pace with bodies all around him with his head high, and he always seems to release the ball just at the time when the defender is stretching and can’t get back.”

Messi free-kick: Twitter reactions and fan videos

Barcelona’s 3-0 victory against Manchester United takes the top headlines in the UK’s newspapers on Wednesday morning.

United were outclassed at the Camp Nou as Barca eased into the Champions League semi-finals, where they will face Liverpool or Porto.

The Daily Telegraph and i Sport called the performance a “masterclass” by Barcelona and their star striker Lionel Messi, who scored twice in the second-leg win.

You have to “hand it to Messi” says the Daily Express as David de Gea’s gaffe gifted Barca the win. The United goalkeeper’s howler is also the focus on the Daily Mirror back page headline which reads “Oh Nou!”.

United were “blown away” by the La Liga giants The Times reports and The Guardian says the Catalans left the Premier League side “on their knees” as they secured a comfortable 4-0 aggregate win.

Uefa Champions League quarter-final second leg Barcelona 3 Manchester United 0 (4-0 on aggregate)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted his side were outclassed by Barcelona as the Spaniards eased through to the semi-finals of the Champions League with a 3-0 win at the Camp Nou.

Two of their goals came from Lionel Messi, who has now scored 45 this season in 42 matches, and Barcelona will meet the winner of the tie between Porto and Liverpool who play on Wednesday.

Whoever earns the right to play Barcelona in the last four will feel a deep degree of trepidation at the prospect of facing a side who are now unbeaten in 31 Champions League home ties.

United started brightly as they sought to overturn a 1-0 deficit from last week’s first leg at Old Trafford, and Marcus Rashford’s dainty lofted shot skimmed the bar in the first minute as the visitors caused some problems for the hosts’ defence. But Barca soon struck the first blow as Messi put them ahead on 16 minutes with a shot from outside of the area.

De Gea disaster

Four minutes later the Argentine doubled his side’s advantage - with assistance from David De Gea. Messi’s weak shot from the edge of the area should have presented the United goalkeeper with no problems, but he let the ball squirm under his body and into the net.

That blunder shattered United’s self-belief and although they kept on running all night, they were chasing the shadows of a Barcelona side who underlined their superiority with a third goal on the hour mark.

It was the best of the lot with Philippe Coutinho’s exquisite strike one of those goals that will linger in the memory for many a year.

“We were a bit cold and nervous in the first five minutes,” admitted Messi. “But afterwards we took control and played spectacular football.”

Different level

Solskjaer took the defeat squarely on the chin, telling reporters: “They were a couple of levels above over the two games.”

The Norwegian’s immediate task is to lift his squad for the Premier League run-in. Currently sixth in the table, United have three daunting matches in the next ten days: away at Everton and then home games against Manchester City and Chelsea.

Realistically, if United want to finish in the top four and qualify for next season’s Champions League, they will need maximum points from the trio of games.

“We want to play these games again next year so we have a massive week coming up,” Solskjaer said. “There is no point dwelling on what could have been, we have to focus on that week.”

Work in progress

While he praised the brilliance of Messi, Solskjaer was more concerned with what United must do to regain their place among the European elite.

“We have to aspire to get to that level of Barcelona,” he said. “We can get there but we have loads of work to do. If we want to get back to Man Utd’s true level, true traditions, we have to challenge Barcelona.”

Asked how that will happen, Solskjaer replied: “We have got a rebuilding job but that starts with the coaches and the players, and one or two additions to the squad will happen in the summer.”

Champions League fixtures and results

Tuesday 16 April: quarter-final second-leg results

• Barcelona 3 Manchester United 0 (4-0 on aggregate)
• Juventus 1 Ajax 2 (2-3 on aggregate)

Wednesday 17 April: quarter-final second leg fixtures

• Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur (0-1 on aggregate; 8pm live on BT Sport 2)
• FC Porto vs. Liverpool (0-2 on aggregate; 8pm live on BT Sport 3)

Quarter-final first-leg results and reports

• Liverpool 2 FC Porto 0
• Tottenham Hotspur 1 Manchester City 0
• Manchester United 0 Barcelona 1
• Ajax 1 Juventus 1

Champions League semi-final draw

The semi-final first legs will be on 30 April and 1 May, and the second legs are on 7/8 May.

• Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester City vs. Ajax
• Barcelona vs. Liverpool or Porto

Manchester United vs. Barcelona

• What: Uefa Champions League quarter-final first leg
• When: Wednesday 10 April
• Where: Old Trafford, Manchester
• Kick-off: 8pm (UK time)
• TV channel and live stream: BT Sport 2 and sport.bt.com
• Radio coverage: BBC Radio 5 live

Manchester United welcome Barcelona and Lionel Messi to Old Trafford for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie.

This season Messi has scored 43 goals for the La Liga leaders and has previously been the scourge of United having starred and scored in Barcelona’s 2009 and 2011 Champions League final wins against the Red Devils.

Despite five-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi being in “typically brilliant form” this season, Sky Sports reports that United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned that the Catalans are not just a one-man team.

“He’s a fantastic player and he will go down in the history [of football] as one of the best individual players ever,” Solskjaer said of Messi.

“He will be difficult to stop but it is never impossible. It’s not like it’s Messi against Manchester United - it’s [Luis] Suarez, [Philippe] Coutinho, [Ivan] Rakitic, [Arturo] Vidal.

“There’s so many good players, we cannot just focus on one player. We know we have play against 11 of them.”

‘You can’t leave United alive’

Gerard Pique has urged Barcelona to go to Old Trafford and try to finish off his former team in the first leg or run the risk of leaving them “alive” in the tie.

Barca are favourites to progress to the semi-finals, but United pulled off a miracle by coming back to beat Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16. The Premier League side will be hopeful of more heroics against Pique, Messi and Co.

Pique, who played for the Red Devils from 2004 to 2008, told ESPN: “I think the PSG tie is a great example. I think [at Old Trafford], PSG played better. In the second half they scored and could have scored more.

“But you can’t leave United alive. If you can beat them [by] scoring a lot of goals, you have to do it. They have a great history and they showed that in Paris, even with a lot of young lads from the academy.

“It’s a great example for us. We have to be switched on from the first minute until the last.”

European classic

The quarter-final draw sees the clubs continue a classic European football rivalry. Barca beat United twice in Champions League finals - in 2009 and 2011 - while the Red Devils were 2-1 winners in the 1991 European Cup Winners’ Cup final.

Speaking ahead of the first leg Barca head coach Ernesto Valverde said: “They are a powerful team. They are going through a good run, even if they lost their last match. Physically they are really strong and they know how to put pressure on their opponents. They have players who are physically very powerful, and they can be dangerous strategically as well.

“This match is a classic in European football. Barcelona have never won at Old Trafford I believe and we are going to try and change that.”

Solskjaer is demanding hard work from his United stars. He said: “I want my players to really push each other and demand 100% attitude from each other every single day. That’s the only way you can improve and it’s the only way you can win.

“We’re playing against a good team but there is something special about this group of players. It will be fantastic.”

TV, live stream and radio coverage

The match at Old Trafford will be live on BT Sport 2. The broadcaster will also have a live stream for sport.bt.com subscribers. Radio coverage will be on BBC Radio 5 live.

When is the second leg?

The return fixture will be played at the Camp Nou in Barcelona on Tuesday 16 April (8pm, live on BT Sport).

Team news and possible starting XIs

Man Utd injury news and suspensions

United are hopeful that England striker Marcus Rashford will be fit to play, the BBC reports. The 21-year-old has been struggling with an ankle injury.

Midfielders Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera are doubts but could play. Despite returning to training Alexis Sanchez is not expected to feature against his old club.

The Sun says that Solskjaer will be also missing Matteo Darmian, Eric Bailly and Antonio Valencia, but Paul Pogba will return to the side. The French midfielder was suspended for the last-16 second-leg victory against PSG.

If booked Luke Shaw, Ashley Young, Herrera and Matic would miss the second leg at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona injury news and suspensions

Metro says that Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde is expected to name the same XI that beat Atletico Madrid in La Liga last weekend.

Former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has fully recovered from an ankle injury, BT Sport reports, and will hope to impress at Old Trafford. French forward Ousmane Dembele has also been named in the squad and could be fit to play.

Rafinha has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

Possible starting XIs

How the teams could line up at Old Trafford, according to the Independent.

• Man Utd possible starting XI (4-3-3): De Gea; Young, Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw; Matic, Herrera, Pogba; Lingard, Rashford, Lukaku
• Barcelona possible starting XI (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Vidal; Messi, Suarez, Coutinho

Predictions: who will win the first leg?

Michael Owen, former Man Utd and England striker, Metro: “This is the first Champions League meeting between the sides since Barcelona’s famous 3-1 win in the 2011 final - a game I watched in awe from the United bench as an unused substitute at Wembley. Lionel Messi has failed to score in his last 11 Champions League quarter-final ties for Barcelona and has attempted 49 shots in this barren period. United have already lost at home to Juventus and PSG in the Champions League this season and I feel the Spanish giants will edge what promises to be a cracking game with opportunities at both ends. Score prediction: Manchester United 1 Barcelona 2.”

Charlie Nicolas, Sky Sports: “Barcelona can go at them and Luke Shaw will have to get tight to Lionel Messi. It is a big decision for Solskjaer as they like to attack. [Former Liverpool striker] Luis Suarez will want to do well back at Old Trafford and Messi is the best ever in my opinion. Philippe Coutinho may be in, and then Arturo Vidal, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets are the feeders for Messi and Suarez. Marcus Rashford is key for Man Utd with his pace and movement. Man Utd will be ready and if you give them too much respect they will beat you. Score prediction: Manchester United 1 Barcelona 2.”

Ben Burrows, Independent: “Manchester United did the unthinkable once in the last round [against PSG], and Barca aren’t the vaunted team of a few years previous, but it’s still hard to imagine the Spanish champions in waiting leaving Old Trafford without at least one away goal. They can be got at and there are goals to be had if United [Romelu Lukaku specifically] strap on their shooting boots - despite the brilliance of Marc-Andre ter Stegen between the sticks - but Messi and Co will be looking to kill the tie this week ahead of next week’s second leg. Expect Luis Suarez to get on the scoresheet, at least once, with United perhaps giving themselves a chance ahead of the trip to the Nou Camp with one in reply. Score prediction: Manchester United 1 Barcelona 3.”

Barney Corkhill, Sports Mole: “United do not come into this match in particularly good form and, while their most recent defeats have come away from home, it is at Old Trafford that they have struggled in Europe this term. Barcelona, by contrast, are in fine form and we are backing them to come away with a valuable away victory on Wednesday. Score prediction: Manchester United 1 Barcelona 2.”

Man Utd vs. Barcelona betting odds

All prices according to Oddschecker, as of 10 April.

Match betting

• Man Utd to win: 3/1
• Barcelona to win: 1/1
• Draw: 11/4

To qualify

• Man Utd: 3/1
• Barcelona: 2/7

To win the Champions League

• Man Utd: 20/1
• Barcelona: 10/3

Champions League results and fixtures

Quarter-final first-leg results: Tuesday 9 April

• Liverpool 2 FC Porto 0
• Tottenham Hotspur 1 Manchester City 0

First-leg fixtures: Wednesday 10 April

• Ajax vs. Juventus (8pm, live on BT Sport 3)
• Manchester United vs. Barcelona (8pm, live on BT Sport 2)

Quarter-final second-leg fixtures

• 16 April: Juventus vs. Ajax
• 16 April: Barcelona vs. Manchester United
• 17 April: Porto vs. Liverpool (0-2 on aggregate)
• 17 April: Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur (0-1 on aggregate)

Lionel Messi has been described as many things for his achievements on the football pitch but he should not be compared to God.

That’s the view of Pope Francis who was asked by a reporter about how the Barcelona star was nicknamed “D10S”.

Sky News says the term is a combination of the Spanish word for God, “dios”, and the striker’s No.10 shirt.

In an interview with Spanish television channel La Sexta, Pope Francis said of the Messi-God comparisons: “In theory, it is sacrilege. It shouldn’t be said. I do not believe it.

“People could call him God, just as they might say ‘I adore you’, but only God can be worshipped.

“[Saying] ‘he’s a god with the ball on the pitch’ is a popular way to express yourself. He’s great to watch - but he’s not God.”

Like Messi, 82-year-old Pope Francis is from Argentina. The head of the Catholic Church is a keen football fan, says The Irish Times, and is a club member of Buenos Aires team San Lorenzo.

Goal.com reports that Messi and the Argentina squad met with Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2013. Barca star Messi said the meeting was “short but beautiful”.

When Cristiano Ronaldo left for Juventus last summer the transfer not only saw Real Madrid lose one of their greatest ever players but it also meant the end of his La Liga rivalry with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.

After nine seasons of going head-to-head in Spain, Ronaldo is now plying his trade in Italy’s Serie A while Messi continues to score the goals for La Liga leaders Barca. On Saturday, Messi scored his 40th and 41st goals of the season as Barcelona beat Espanyol 2-0 in the Catalan derby at the Camp Nou.

Although Ronaldo is injured, his first season in Italy has seen him score 24 goals for Juventus. The Italian champions are 15 points clear at the top of Serie A and also through to the Champions League quarter-finals.

It’s this form and influence that makes Messi miss playing against his great rival. In an interview with Club 947FM radio, the Argentine said: “It was nice playing against Cristiano even if it was difficult. I enjoyed winning cups when he was at Madrid. It would be nice if he were still there.”

Juve even stronger with CR7

Signing Ronaldo from Real Madrid has made Juventus even better, says Messi. The Barca No.10 believes the Italian side will be a huge threat in the Champions League. Ronaldo scored a second-leg hat-trick for Juventus as they came back to beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 on aggregate in the last 16.

Juventus play Ajax in the last eight and Barcelona play Manchester United. Should Juve and Barca win their quarter-final and semi-final ties Ronaldo and Messi would face each other in the final on 1 June at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid.

Messi added: “I have a lot of respect for Juventus; I think they are a very strong team, with very good players – and with the arrival of Cristiano, even more so. With the victory against Atletico Madrid they’ve got a big advantage. But I hope we can be there too.”

Top two in the world

Messi was also asked which players he thought were best in the world. While praising Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Eden Hazard, Messi believes he and Ronaldo are leading the way.

“Today, there are very good players, Neymar, Mbappe, Suarez, Hazard, any of them could be the best in the world,” he said. “But I took Cristiano off that group and put him with me.”

A poll to decide the best ever goals in FC Barcelona’s history has seen Lionel Messi take a clean sweep of the top three positions.

The BBC reports that more than 500,000 votes were cast by Barca fans from 160 countries. Barcelona’s best goal poll started with 63 contenders - of which ten were scored by the brilliant Argentine.

In the final four vote Messi claimed the No.1, No.2 and No.3 positions while Sergi Roberto’s dramatic last-minute strike against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in 2017 took fourth position.

The vote to decide Barcelona’s best ever goal was won by Messi’s strike against Getafe in the 2006-07 Copa del Rey semi-finals. Winning 45% of the vote, the goal against Getafe saw Messi pick the ball up inside his own half before dribbling his way through the defence to shoot home.

The Barcelona website said: “The uncertainty is over. The best goal in Barca’s history according to the fans is Lionel Messi’s spectacular slaloming run against Getafe in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey 2006/07. The goal from the No.10 took the crown ahead of 63 other goals in a competition that started at the end of December 2018, and that has seen more than 500,000 votes cast in the past three months.”

Number two on the poll, with 28% of the votes, was Messi’s 2014-15 Copa del Rey final goal against Athletic Bilbao. And third, with 16%, was the Champions League El Clasico strike against Real Madrid in 2010-11. Roberto’s goal against PSG won 11% of the vote.

Videos: Barcelona’s best ever goals - the top four voted by fans

David Beckham would like to bring Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to the United States to play for his new Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami CF.

The former Manchester United and England midfielder is the president and one of the owners of Inter Miami, who will join the MLS in the 2020 season.

Having had plans approved for a new 25,000-seater stadium, Sky Sports reports that Beckham is now on the lookout for star players to join the franchise.

Although Barcelona forward Messi and Juventus striker Ronaldo are unlikely to leave their current clubs for the time being, Beckham hasn’t ruled out making a move for the star duo.

The 43-year-old said: “Everyone has their wish list, everyone does, but if you look at the way Leo and Cristiano are still playing, even at what you might think is the later stage of their careers, I don’t see it ending for them.

“They’re playing at such a high level that it’s hard to see them leaving the clubs they are at, but we will see. You never know what can happen in football.”

This season Messi, who’s 31, has scored 39 goals in 37 matches for Spanish giants Barcelona, including a sensational hat-trick last weekend against Real Betis in La Liga.

Ronaldo, who’s 34, left Real Madrid for Juventus last summer. In his first season in Italy he’s scored 24 goals in 36 games for the Serie A club.

Miami have to move quickly

As well as Man Utd and England, Beckham also played for Real Madrid, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and LA Galaxy before retiring in 2013.

With the 2020 season just a year away, he’s busy speaking to contacts about the potential new signings he could bring to the MLS club.

He added: “As an organisation, as a club, we are starting to look at players and possibilities, at what is possible.

“We’ve got a great team here and we’ll start piecing the things together, but we have to do that quick because it’s only a year away.

“I’ve been speaking to people over that time. People like David Gill, who is someone who has a huge amount of experience at Manchester United, asking him about the job he did there.”

Barcelona’s 4-1 win at Real Betis in La Liga on Sunday evening was described by commentators as “the Lionel Messi show”.

The Argentine scored a magnificent hat-trick, including a free-kick and a deft chip, which many fans are calling his best ever goal. In fact the hat-trick strike was so good that even Betis fans stood and chanted Messi’s name afterwards.

Messi, who has now scored 51 career hat-tricks for Barcelona, said after the match: “I’m very grateful. It’s never happened to me before. They [Betis fans] always treat us very well, regardless of whether we’re rivals.”

Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde added: “Our opponents suffer because of Messi, but they also enjoy him. His match was extraordinary, he’s scored three goals and also made a fourth.

“The public has recognised his talent, they are enjoying seeing him in his prime and they respect him for the player he is.”

In his 37 matches this season, the 31-year-old has now scored 39 goals, including four hat-tricks, and has 18 assists. His 27 goals so far in La Liga this term make him the top scorer in Europe’s top five divisions in 2018-19.

Media reactions to Messi’s hat-trick

It wasn’t just the Betis fans who applauded Messi’s latest star performance. Football pundits and supporters across Europe also praised the Barca forward.

BBC Sport’s Saj Chowdhury said Messi scored a hat-trick of the “highest quality” while Goal.com’s Rik Sharma added: “The Argentina was spectacular once again on a night where even the opposing fans had to relish in his greatness.”

Marca’s Geoff Gillingham praised the Argentinian as he “proved to be the difference” for the La Liga leaders. AS.com’s Paul Reidy called his display a “Messi masterclass”.

Former Barcelona and England striker Gary Lineker wrote on Twitter: “Another truly sensational hat-trick from Messi. He’s beginning to be predictable.”

How Twitter reacted to the GOAT’s great goal

Football fans and pundits hailed the “GOAT” for his hat-trick and stunning chip. Here we look at some of the best Tweets.

In a sensational story from Spain it’s claimed that Lionel Messi has “threatened to quit” Barcelona unless they sign a new world-class striker.

Messi has been on top form this season with 30 goals already to his name but according to Spanish outlet Don Balon the Argentine superstar is “fed up” of shouldering the goalscoring responsibility.

Fellow forward Luis Suarez has seen a drop in form this campaign and the lack of a replacement in the No.9 position is “taking its toll at this point”.

According to the report Barca have drawn up a shortlist of potential signings to bolster their attack. On the target list are Timo Werner, Hirving Lozano, Maxi Gomez and Luka Jovic.

However, Don Balon says that Messi “does not feel that these are forwards have reached the level that is needed to be a scorer in the club”.

Instead it’s claimed that Messi wants the Catalan club to break the bank and sign either Tottenham striker Harry Kane, 25, or Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe, 20.

Citing the Don Balon report, TeamTalk.com says: “Messi has asked Barcelona to go out and secure the signing of either Kane or Mbappe, and in case they do not comply with that request, he has shown an intention to leave the club.

“Messi’s time in Barcelona is described as ‘limited’ and his departure is apparently ‘getting closer’ unless club president Josep Maria Bartomeu reacts.”

Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde is certainly a fan of England captain Kane, the golden boot winner at last year’s Fifa World Cup.

“He’s a great player, world class,” Valverde said when Barca played Spurs in the Champions League in December. “An extraordinary striker who associates well, has an aerial game, is decisive in the area.

“I do not like to talk about players who are on other teams. We keep the maximum discretion but that does not stop us feeling a great respect for Kane and admire him.”

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid

• What: Copa del Rey semi-final first leg
• When: Wednesday 6 February
• Where: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
• Kick-off time: 8pm GMT
• Channel/live stream: Eleven Sports UK

Lionel Messi has been named in Barcelona’s squad to face rivals Real Madrid tonight but the star No.10 will face a late fitness test ahead of the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.

The Argentine, 31, injured a thigh muscle in the 2-2 draw against Valencia on Saturday and the BBC reports that Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde will wait to see if Messi will be fit to play.

Valverde said: “It is true that sometimes we have had doubts with players and we have waited until the last moment. It’s the same with Messi.”

However, if Messi is not fit Valverde won’t take any risks with vital Champions League and La Liga matches coming up this month.

The Barca boss told ESPN: “I’m not big on taking risks when there are a lot of games ahead of us. If La Liga ended tomorrow or if it was our last game, maybe [I would take a risk]... but if a player has an injury, whether it’s Messi or not, I prefer to be careful.”

Real Madrid travel to the Camp Nou hoping to gain revenge from their 5-1 thrashing in La Liga in October. Messi missed that clash but Luis Suarez hit a hat-trick for the Catalans.

Real head coach Santiago Solari hopes that Barca star Messi will be fit. He said: “It’s always good when the best players get to play every game, but whether or not he plays will not influence the way we prepare for the game at all.”

What time is kick-off?

Tonight’s cup clash at the Camp Nou kicks off at 8pm (UK time).

How to watch tonight’s El Clasico

Although the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg will not be on TV, it will be shown in the UK and Ireland via online streaming service Eleven Sports. The Daily Mail reports that Eleven Sports will show both legs of the semi-final (tonight and 27 February) as well as the La Liga fixture on 2 March. A monthly pass costs £5.99 and viewers can sign up at elevensports.uk.

Messi vs. Real Madrid in El Clasico

Squads, injury news and predicted starting XIs

Barcelona team news

Marca reports that Valverde has named a 19-man squad but Ousmane Dembele is not included on the list. The French forward has a hamstring problem.

If Messi is not fit enough to start the Clasico then his place could go to youngster Carles Alena or winger Malcom, the London Evening Standard reports.

Luis Suarez will start down the middle in attack. Philippe Coutinho and, fitness permitting, Messi, will be on the flanks.

• Barcelona’s 19-man squad: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Inaki Pena; Nelson Semedo, Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet, Jeison Murillo, Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto, Thomas Vermaelen; Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Philippe Coutinho, Arthur, Carles Alena, Arturo Vidal; Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi, Malcolm, Kevin-Prince Boateng

Real Madrid team news

Real head coach Solari takes a 21-man squad to Catalonia, meaning three players will have to watch from the stands this evening.

The BBC reports that Los Blancos have everyone available except for defender Jesus Vallejo.

Goalkeeper Keylor Navas is expected to start at the Camp Nou but Wales forward Gareth Bale may have to settle for a place on the bench.

The Evening Standard predicts that Vinicius Junior, Lucas Vazquez and Karim Benzema will start in a front three.

Possible starting XIs

How the teams could line up tonight, according to the Evening Standard.

• Barcelona possible starting XI (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Sergi Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Busquets, Arthur, Rakitic; Messi (or Alena), Suarez, Coutinho
• Real Madrid possible starting XI (4-3-3): Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Reguilon; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Vazquez, Benzema, Vinicius Jr

Three El Clasicos

Tonight’s fixture is the first of three El Clasicos in the next few weeks. The Copa del Rey semi-final second leg will be played in Madrid on 27 February (8pm) and the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium will also host a La Liga fixture between the Spanish rivals on 2 March (7.45pm).

Infographic: messi.com

Luka Modric has been awarded the 2018 Ballon d’Or, becoming the first footballer player other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to win the trophy since 2007.

The Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder was rewarded for a stellar year in which he helped the Spanish side to a third consecutive Champions League title, and his country to their first World Cup final.

“It was a really special year for me,” said Modric. “This award is for all the players who probably deserved to win it and didn’t.

“It is difficult to express my emotion and how I feel in words. It is something unique for me.”

Five-time winner Ronaldo was the runner-up, while Antoine Griezmann finished third. Griezmann’s French teammate Kylian Mbappe was fourth and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, another five-time winner, was fifth.

La Liga love-in

Despite Modric finally breaking the Ronaldo-Messi stranglehold, the ceremony highlighted once again the heavy bias towards Spain’s La Liga.

It was incomprehensible to many that Atletico Madrid forward Griezmann finished one place in the voting above compatriot Mbappe, even though the latter was far more influential in France winning the Fifa World Cup.

Mbappe also helped his club, Paris Saint-Germain, to the French league and cup double, and to the knockout stage of the Champions League. By contrast, the best Griezmann could manage was the Europa League crown, after Atletico Madrid failed to make it out of the Champions League group stage.

However, teenager Mbappe was awarded the inaugural Kopa Trophy, given to the world’s best under-21 male footballer.

Premier League snubbed again

The hostility to the Premier League among Ballon d’Or voters was again in evidence, with Liverpool and Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah the highest-placed Premier League player, coming in sixth.

Chelsea’s Eden Hazard was eighth, a surprise given his excellence in inspiring Belgium to third place in the World Cup. Tottenham striker Harry Kane, who won the World Cup’s golden boot for his six goals for England, finished tenth.

Twerk twerp

The inaugural Women’s Ballon d’Or was won by Lyon and Norway striker Ada Hegerberg, but her acceptance of the trophy was overshadowed by the antics of guest DJ Martin Solveig.

As Hegerberg collected her award, the Frenchman asked if she knew “how to twerk”. The Norwegian replied in the negative and later brushed off the question by saying she “understood it was a joke”.

However, others were less forgiving, reports BBC Sport. Tennis star Andy Murray wrote on Instagram: “Another example of the ridiculous sexism that still exists in sport. To everyone who thinks people are overreacting and it was just a joke... it wasn’t. I’ve been involved in sport my whole life and the level of sexism is unreal.”

Solveig later issued an apology on Twitter, blaming his faux pas on language difficulties. “I am a little bit amazed as to what I am reading on the internet,” he wrote. “I, of course, didn’t want to offend anyone. This comes from a distortion of my English level and my English culture level, which is obviously not enough because I didn’t mean to offend anyone and didn’t know this could be seen as such an offence.”

2018 Ballon d’Or top ten

• 1 Luka Modric (Real Madrid and Croatia)
• 2 Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus and Portugal)
• 3 Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid and France)
• 4 Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain and France)
• 5 Lionel Messi (Barcelona and Argentina)
• 6 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool and Egypt)
• 7 Raphael Varane (Real Madrid and France)
• 8 Eden Hazard (Chelsea and Belgium)
• 9 Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City and Belgium)
• 10 Harry Kane (Tottenham and England)

The 2018 Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best male footballer will be presented tonight and for the first time in more than ten years the winner could be someone other than Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.

Since 2008 only Ronaldo or Messi have won the coveted award, but this year Real Madrid and Croatia star Luka Modric is the big favourite for the title.

Modric, who captained Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final, heads up a 30-man shortlist for the 2018 Ballon d’Or. Five-time winners Ronaldo and Messi are also on the list along with French World Cup winners Antoine Griezmann, Raphael Varane and Kylian Mbappe.

A total of 11 Premier League players feature on the list, including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Tottenham’s Harry Kane and Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.

As well as the men’s award, the BBC reports that the inaugural female winner will also be named tonight. On the 15-player shortlist are England’s Lucy Bronze and Fran Kirby.

When and where do the awards take place?

The 63rd Ballon d’Or awards will be held tonight in Paris. The Sun says that the ceremony is expected to start at around 8pm.

Will it be shown on TV in the UK?

According to The Sun and the London Evening Standard, no UK television broadcaster has currently been confirmed.

What is the criteria?

The Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best male player in a calendar year has been presented by France Football magazine since 1956. The winner will be selected by a panel of international journalists, with one representative from each country. Sky Sports explains: “The panel judge nominees on: their performances during the calendar year, their talent and fair play, and their achievements throughout their career.” The player who gets the most points in the vote is awarded the Ballon d’Or.

Past winners

Since 2008 only Ronaldo or Messi have won the coveted Ballon d’Or award.

• 2008: Cristiano Ronaldo
• 2009: Lionel Messi
• 2010: Lionel Messi
• 2011: Lionel Messi
• 2012: Lionel Messi
• 2013: Cristiano Ronaldo
• 2014: Cristiano Ronaldo
• 2015: Lionel Messi
• 2016: Cristiano Ronaldo
• 2017: Cristiano Ronaldo

2018 Ballon d’Or: shortlist and betting odds

Who is on the 30-player shortlist?

• Sergio Aguero (Argentina, Manchester City)
• Alisson (Brazil, Liverpool)
• Gareth Bale (Wales, Real Madrid)
• Karim Benzema (France, Real Madrid)
• Kevin de Bruyne (Belgium, Manchester City)
• Edinson Cavani (Uruguay, Paris St-Germain)
• Thibaut Courtois (Belgium, Real Madrid)
• Roberto Firmino (Brazil, Liverpool)
• Diego Godin (Uruguay, Atletico Madrid)
• Antoine Griezmann (France, Atletico Madrid)
• Eden Hazard (Belgium, Chelsea)
• Isco (Spain, Real Madrid)
• Harry Kane (England, Tottenham)
• N’Golo Kante (France, Chelsea)
• Hugo Lloris (France, Tottenham)
• Mario Mandzukic (Croatia, Juventus)
• Sadio Mane (Senegal, Liverpool)
• Marcelo (Brazil, Real Madrid)
• Kylian Mbappe (France, Paris St-Germain)
• Lionel Messi (Argentina, Barcelona)
• Luka Modric (Croatia, Real Madrid)
• Neymar (Brazil, Paris St-Germain)
• Jan Oblak (Slovenia, Atletico Madrid)
• Paul Pogba (France, Manchester United)
• Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Juventus)
• Ivan Rakitic (Croatia, Barcelona)
• Sergio Ramos (Spain, Real Madrid)
• Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool)
• Luis Suarez (Uruguay, Barcelona)
• Raphael Varane (France, Real Madrid)

Ballon d’Or winner betting odds

Prices according to Oddschecker (as of 3 December).

• Luka Modric: 1/10
• Antoine Griezmann: 7/2
• Raphael Varane: 5/1
• Kylian Mbappe: 5/1
• Cristiano Ronaldo: 13/2
• Lionel Messi: 25/1
• Mohamed Salah: 50/1
• Harry Kane: 50/1
• Eden Hazard: 66/1
• Neymar: 66/1
• Ivan Rakitic: 66/1

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid

• What: La Liga
• When: Sunday 28 October
• Where: Camp Nou, Barcelona
• Kick-off: 3.15pm (GMT)
• TV channel: live on Eleven Sports – also available on iOS and Android

A new era

The first El Clasico for over a decade not to feature Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi will take place on Sunday but, as ever, there are still plenty of reasons to watch the match billed as the biggest game in world football.

With Ronaldo gone and Messi nursing a broken arm, the spotlight will be on their understudies as both sides find themselves under pressure at the start of the season.

And the match could be make or break for Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui, who could lose his job if his team slip up again after a poor start to the season.

Pressure on Madrid

The La Liga champions are not adjusting well to life after Ronaldo, says the Daily Mirror.

“Real Madrid have struggled for goals, with Marcelo’s drive in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Levante the first they had scored in a club record eight hours of football without finding the net.”

That run leaves them seventh in the league and has put coach Lopetegui on the brink of the sack, months after he took over from Zinedine Zidane.

It is clear that Real are missing the genius of Ronaldo up front, says Andy West of the BBC.

“There is still an abundance of creative talent in the squad: any manager would love to be able to call upon Gareth Bale, Isco, Marco Asensio and Benzema. But none of those players are out-and-out scorers, they are players who do most of their best work outside the penalty area, supplying the ammunition rather than firing it,” he says.

“One statistic to illustrate the team's dramatic downturn in firepower is that last year they equalled a world record by scoring in 73 consecutive games, whereas this season they have already been scoreless four times.”

Barcelona have problems too

Could the clash with arch rivals Barcelona be just the fixture Real need? Barca are top of the table but have hardly been at their best this term.

“They have failed to keep a clean sheet in six games across all competitions and what was a rock-solid defence last season is being regularly cut open by opposition attackers like hot knives through butter,” says the Mirror.

With that in mind, Barca coach Ernesto Valverde “is likely to prioritise defensive stability over attacking flair”, says the Evening Standard.

Team news

The main question for Barcelona is who will replace Messi and if, as expected, Valverde errs on the side of caution Rafinha could get the nod ahead of the more mercurial Ousmane Dembele or Malcom.

Real Madrid coach Lopetegui badly needs a win, but could be without defender Dani Carvajal, although key man Marcelo is expected to be fit after picking up a knock in the Champions League.

He has decisions to make at the back, where goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has failed to shine since his move from Chelsea, and up front, as he struggles to find a way to get the best out of his forwards now that Ronaldo has gone.

Predicted starting XIs and formations

The Evening standard predicts Barcelona will play 4-3-3 and line up: Ter Stegen; Alba, Lenglet, Pique, Semedo; Busquets, Arthur, Rakitic; Coutinho, Suarez, Rafinha

The Daily Star believes Real Madrid will also go 4-3-3 and line up: Navas; Nacho, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Bale, Isco, Benzema.

Barcelona want star striker Lionel Messi to stay for the rest of his career but according to reports in Spain the 31-year-old could leave the Camp Nou for nothing in two years’ time.

The Catalan publication Mundo Deportivo claims that the Argentine No.10 has a clause in his current contract that would allow him to leave Barcelona on a free transfer in 2020 – as long as he doesn’t sign for an “elite club”.

Elite, ESPN explains, means a team that isn’t based in Europe’s big five leagues: La Liga, the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1.

Messi’s current contract at Barcelona expires in 2021 and the club are already planning to offer him an extension until 2022 or 2023.

But if the 2020 clause is correct where could Messi go next? ESPN reports that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would like to play for his boyhood club – Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina – before retiring from football.

In a 2016 interview, Messi said: “I would love to [return]. It is something I have kept an eye on because it was my dream as a child. Obviously my life started to change and went another way, but I have no regrets.

“It’s something I have kept an eye on. I want to play in Argentine football and Newell’s, where I grew up.”

In September Messi was linked with a move to the US and David Beckham’s Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami.

There are claims that former England captain Beckham wants Messi to be Inter Miami’s star name when they join the MLS in 2020.

City’s big-money offer ‘rejected’ by Messi

Manchester City were so keen to sign Lionel Messi that they were ready to triple his salary if he agreed to move to the Etihad, it has been revealed.

Citing reports in Spain, The Sun says Messi was on the Premier League champions’ radar before he signed his latest contract with Barca in November 2017.

City chief executive Khaldoon al Mubarak is said to have asked coach Pep Guardiola to speak with Messi. The club have denied any talks taking place.

Mubarak reportedly said: “We asked Guardiola to talk to him and we offered him triple the salary he had in Barcelona, but he never accepted.”

Lukaku praises Juventus ‘project’

Is Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku angling for a transfer to Juventus? In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, the Belgium star said: “Juve have a great project in place and they just keep going. Every year they try to get stronger.

“Without doubt, Juve are one of the two or three best teams in Europe. They’ve got a great coach on the bench and extraordinary players in every area of the team. Cristiano Ronaldo stands out, but watch out for the others too. Paulo Dybala is already impressive and getting stronger, while I love Douglas Costa.”

United face Juventus and Ronaldo at Old Trafford in the Champions League on 23 October and again in Turin on 7 November. (Sky Sports)

Ramos praises Kane

Spain captain Sergio Ramos has picked out Harry Kane as the England dangerman, ahead of tonight’s Uefa Nations League clash in Seville. The Real Madrid defender also said he believes the Spurs striker would “thrive in La Liga”. England skipper Kane has been linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent months. (The Daily Telegraph)

Hazard won’t force Real transfer

Last week Eden Hazard revealed that he “dreams” of playing for Real Madrid one day, but now the Chelsea and Belgium star is insisting he would never force through a move to the Champions League holders. Referring to Chelsea’s decision to block a transfer this summer, Hazard said: “I will never look to clash with the club. Chelsea have given me a lot.” (The Sun)

Foden to follow Sancho to Germany?

First England star Jadon Sancho left Manchester City to play first-team football for Borussia Dortmund in Germany and now his former teammate Phil Foden is being linked with a move to the Bundesliga. Dortmund and RB Leipzig are keen on the teenage Man City midfielder, as are French champions Paris Saint-Germain. (The Guardian)

Chelsea offer Kante new deal

Another midfielder linked with PSG recently is Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante. The Blues have offered French World Cup winner Kante a new contract to “fend off interest” from the Paris club. (Daily Mirror)

Ake focused on Bournemouth

Last week Nathan Ake was being linked with a move to Tottenham, but the Dutch defender has dismissed speculation that he could be leaving Bournemouth. He said: “I’ve seen it pass by but of course it’s [just] rumours.” (Metro via football-oranje.com)

Clubs vie to sign Loftus-Cheek on loan

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is “plotting” a loan move from Stamford Bridge in January in order “to save his England career”. After impressing on loan at Crystal Palace last season, Loftus-Cheek was named in England’s squad for the World Cup in Russia. However, this season he finds himself on the fringes of Chelsea’s first team. Palace, Everton and Arsenal are reportedly interested in taking the 22-year-old on loan in the new year. (Daily Mail/The Sun)

Lionel Messi says it’s “crazy and incredible” that his life story and achievements as a footballer will be the subject of a new show by Cirque du Soleil.

The Canadian entertainment company will partner with Messi and PopArt Music for the creation of a brand-new production that will be launched in 2019.

Created by Cirque du Soleil, the show will “draw its inspiration from the incredible talent and accomplishments of the football legend, who embodies the unique spirit and values of his sport”.

Messi said: “It feels both crazy and incredible that Cirque du Soleil will create a show based on my life, my passion, my sport. Cirque du Soleil is a family favourite of ours. I have no doubt this show will amaze people as their shows always do.”

Cirque du Soleil has previously paid homage to musical legends such as Michael Jackson and The Beatles, but the Messi show will be its first about football.

Jonathan Tétrault, president of Cirque du Soleil, said: “We are thrilled to be working with such a living legend. We are convinced that bringing Messi’s legacy to life on stage will touch audiences and speak to all football fans.”

No dates or locations have been announced, but Cirque du Soleil confirmed on its website that the show will go on an international tour next year.

Tottenham Hotspur 2 Barcelona 4

English clubs experienced a double dose of harsh reality in the Champions League last night, when Tottenham and Liverpool both suffered defeats.

Spurs were put to the sword by Barcelona, with a particularly brilliant display from star striker Lionel Messi.

Perhaps playing at Wembley inspired the Argentine, whose two-goal performance puts his side top of group B, level on points with Inter Milan, who won 2-1 away at PSV Eindhoven.

Spurs contributed to a cracking game but their defeat - coming a fortnight after losing to Inter - leaves them pointless in the group.

After a spectacular strike from Ivan Rakitic, Philippe Coutinho gave the Catalan side a 2-0 lead at the break. Harry Kane pulled one back for Spurs on 52 minutes, but Messi then restored Barcelona’s two-goal advantage.

A tough game

Erik Lamela’s deflected goal gave the Spurs fans hope that a famous comeback could be on the cards, but a sweet dummy from Luis Suarez allowed Messi to score his second goal, and Barcelona’s fourth.

“It was a tough game,” conceded Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino. “That is why I want to congratulate the team, because we were always in the game, always fighting, never giving up. I feel so proud. I’m disappointed with the result but the effort was massive.”

Barca No. 10 loves the English

Messi’s brace of goals took his tally against English clubs in the Champions League to 21 - more than against clubs from any other nation in the Uefa tournament.

“It’s never easy to play as a visitor in the Champions League, and less against a team like Tottenham,” said the Argentine. “We did a great match. The first half was extraordinary and we are happy because everything went as we wanted.”

Napoli 1 Liverpool 0: Reds get a reality check

Last season’s finalists Liverpool are still in contention for qualification from group C despite losing 1-0 in Naples.

Lorenzo Insigne gave Napoli a deserved winner on a night when Reds’ keeper Alisson earned his wages. The Liverpool gloveman saved well from Fabian Ruiz and Arkadiusz Milik but was unable to prevent Insigne sweeping home Jose Callejon’s cross from close range on 90 minutes.

It was a flat, sloppy performance from Liverpool, and Jurgen Klopp admitted as much in his post-match interview.

“We have to blame ourselves, that’s how it is,” said the Liverpool manager. “They tried everything and were really busy, but not smart enough or calm enough in the right moments. When that happens, you lose football games.”

Tight at the top

In the group’s other game, Paris Saint-Germain thrashed Red Star Belgrade 6-1 in the French capital, with Neymar scoring a hat-trick.

The results mean Napoli top the group on four points, with Liverpool and PSG both on three points. The Reds host Belgrade on 24 October in a game that they must win to keep on course for last-16 qualification.

“It was an interesting-looking group before we started and it’s still interesting now,” said Klopp. “We want to play better than we did, but even if we don’t play brilliantly, we want a result. We weren’t as good as we could be.”

Champions League results and next fixtures

Matchday two results

• Group A: Atletico Madrid 3 Club Brugge 1; Borussia Dortmund 3 Monaco 0
• Group B: PSV Eindhoven 1 Inter Milan 2; Tottenham Hotspur 2 Barcelona 4
• Group C: Paris Saint-Germain 6 Red Star Belgrade 1; Napoli 1 Liverpool 0
• Group D: Lokomotiv Moscow 0 FC Schalke 04 1; FC Porto 1 Galatasaray 0
• Group E: AEK Athens 2 Benfica 3; Bayern Munich 1 Ajax 1
• Group F: Hoffenheim 1 Manchester City 2; Lyon 2 Shakhtar Donetsk 2
• Group G: CSKA Moscow 1 Real Madrid 0; Roma 5 Viktoria Plzen 0
• Group H: Juventus 3 Young Boys 0; Manchester United 0 Valencia 0

Fixtures

Matchday three of the Champions League group stage will take place on 23 and 24 October (all times UK).

Tuesday 23 October

• Group E: AEK Athens vs. Bayern Munich (5.55pm); AFC Ajax vs. Benfica (8pm)
• Group F: Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Manchester City (8pm); Hoffenheim vs. Lyon (8pm)
• Group G: Real Madrid vs. Viktoria Plzen (8pm); AS Roma vs. CSKA Moscow (8pm)
• Group H: Young Boys vs. Valencia (5.55pm); Manchester United vs. Juventus (8pm)

Wednesday 24 October

• Group A: Club Brugge vs. AS Monaco (5.55pm); Borussia Dortmund vs. Atletico Madrid (8pm)
• Group B: PSV Eindhoven vs. Tottenham (5.55pm); Barcelona vs. Inter Milan (8pm)
• Group C: Liverpool vs. Red Star Belgrade (8pm); Paris Saint-Germain vs. Napoli (8pm)
• Group D: Galatasaray vs. Schalke (8pm); Lokomotiv Moscow vs. FC Porto (8pm)

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Barcelona

• What: Champions League group B matchday two
• When: Wednesday 3 October
• Where: Wembley Stadium, London
• Kick-off: 8pm (UK time)
• TV channel: live on BT Sport 2

When Tottenham face Barcelona in the Champions League tonight all eyes will be on the clubs’ two star strikers. Both will be hoping to fire their team to victory at Wembley Stadium.

The group B clash marks the first time that Spurs striker Harry Kane and Barcelona icon Lionel Messi will go head-to-head.

After losing to Inter Milan two weeks ago, Spurs will be looking for a positive result to boost their hopes of qualifying from the group. Meanwhile, Barca come into the game after beating PSV Eindhoven 4-0 and Messi netting a hat-trick.

With five Ballon d’Or wins and 560 goals in 646 matches for Barca, Argentine Messi has “set the standard” says England captain Kane, who took home the golden boot at this year’s World Cup in Russia.

Kane has revealed his admiration for the No.10 and hopes to one day emulate his achievements. But first Spurs have to stop Messi at Wembley.

“He’s definitely set the standard for the rest of us and it motivates me to get even better,” Kane told the BBC. “Hopefully one day I can score as many, if not more, than he has.

“Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have gone above the norm, when they’re scoring 50 or 60 goals a season.

“As players you want to play against the best in the world and Messi is certainly that. We will do our best to stop him.”

Team news and possible starting XIs

Tottenham face Barcelona tonight for the first time since 1982. They will have to take on the La Liga giants without midfielders Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Mousa Dembele. Also missing are defenders Jan Vertonghen and Serge Aurier.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that Spurs are “not having good luck with injuries” but captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris could return after recovering from a thigh injury.

Goal.com reports that Barca will be without Sergi Roberto (injured) and Samuel Umtiti (suspended). Clement Lenglet and Gerard Pique could start as the central defence partnership.

Possible starting XIs

How the teams could line up at Wembley, according to talkSPORT.

• Tottenham possible starting XI: Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Davies; Wanyama, Dier; Lamela, Lucas, Son; Kane
• Barcelona possible starting XI: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Coutinho; Messi, Suarez, Dembele

How to watch the match on TV

The Tottenham vs. Barcelona clash will be shown live on BT Sport 2. Coverage starts at 7pm and the match kicks off at 8pm.

Champions League results, fixtures and TV guide

Last night’s results

Group E AEK Athens 2 Benfica 3 Bayern Munich 1 Ajax 1

Group F Hoffenheim 1 Manchester City 2 Lyon 2 Shakhtar Donetsk 2

Group G CSKA Moscow 1 Real Madrid 0 Roma 5 Viktoria Plzen 0

Group H Juventus 3 Young Boys 0 Manchester United 0 Valencia 0

Tonight’s fixtures (all times UK)

Group A Atletico Madrid vs. Club Brugge (8pm, live on BT Sport Extra 3) Borussia Dortmund vs. Monaco (8pm, live on BT Sport Extra 2)

Group B PSV Eindhoven vs. Inter Milan (8pm, live on BT Sport ESPN) Tottenham Hotspur vs. Barcelona (8pm, live on BT Sport 2)

Group C Paris Saint-Germain vs. Red Star Belgrade (5.55pm, live on BT Sport 1) Napoli vs. Liverpool (8pm, live on BT Sport 3)

Group D Lokomotiv Moscow vs. FC Schalke 04 (5.55pm, live on BT Sport ESPN) FC Porto vs. Galatasaray (8pm, live on BT Sport Extra 4)

They may no longer be on opposite teams in Spain’s La Liga but the rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is alive and well in the Champions League - especially among the fans.

For nine seasons, superstar strikers Ronaldo and Messi often went head to head in the Spanish scoring charts, playing for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively. However, this summer Ronaldo left Real and moved to Italian side Juventus.

With that new set-up in place, the start of the new Champions League season this week has seen mixed emotions from fans of both players.

On Tuesday, Barca star Messi broke the Champions League hat-trick record with three goals against PSV Eindhoven. It was his eighth Champions League treble, moving him one clear of Ronaldo.

A day later, European football fans were eager to see Ronaldo play his first Champions League match for Juventus. His appearance did not last long, though. The 33-year-old was sent off - in tears - after 29 minutes against Valencia, a match that Juve went on to win 2-0.

His sending off, for apparently pulling Valencia defender Jeison Murillo’s hair, did not get much sympathy from Messi fans. They mocked Ronaldo on Twitter, while also celebrating Messi’s hat-trick record.

Twitter reactions to Ronaldo’s red

How Messi and Barca fans reacted...

According to The Sunday Times, Barcelona star Lionel Messi is being lined up by David Beckham for a “sensational” move to his new Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami.

Former Manchester United and England captain Beckham is the owner of the Miami franchise that will join the MLS in the 2020 season and he wants Argentine ace Messi to be the team’s star name.

The Sunday Times’s football correspondent Jonathan Northcroft reports that Beckham’s US club will look for “world-renowned talent to launch the franchise with a splash”.

“No signing would be bigger than Messi,” Northcroft writes. By 2020 the Barcelona star will be entering the final year of his current deal at the Camp Nou.

Oliver Holt in the Mail on Sunday says that no contact has been made between the two parties. But an Inter Miami source admits that Messi would be “the obvious big-name signing if he could be tempted away”.

Beckham has two years to “work his magic with the Barcelona man”, says Give Me Sport. Miami have also been linked with Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Radamel Falcao and James Milner.

Inter Miami – who are officially called Club Internacional de Futbol Miami – have yet to find a home ground. The Sunday Times says that in November Miami residents will be “invited to vote on whether to allow the city to negotiate an agreement to develop Miami Freedom Park”.

La Liga’s plan of hosting a Spanish top-flight fixture in the US has taken a step forward.

Barcelona, Girona and La Liga have announced that they’ve requested permission from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for a match to be played in Miami next year.

The matchday 21 fixture – a “home” clash for Girona against Barca – is scheduled to be played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on 26 January.

According to a statement issued by La Liga, the request was submitted to the RFEF last night and signed by FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu, Girona FC president Delfi Geli and La Liga president Javier Tebas.

The statement said: “One of the elements of the request is the compensation offered to Girona season-ticket holders, who have this fixture included in their season ticket. Aficiones Unidas, an association of fan clubs, has welcomed this compensation package.

“The clubs and La Liga also explained that they will work hand in hand with the main Spanish government institutions, as well as other federations and sports entities, to promote Spanish football and its values as a vehicle for developing the ‘Brand Spain’ in North America.”

While La Liga and the two clubs are keen to see the match take place in Miami, some fans were unhappy at the prospect of a league game being played outside Spain.

One football fan on Twitter called it “a damned idea” while another said: “Horrible decision stop this nonsense.”

Lionel Messi says that Barcelona are seeking Champions League glory this season but admits that Juventus are the clear favourites now that they’ve have signed Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Catalans haven’t won the Champions League since 2015. Their La Liga rivals Real Madrid are seeking a fourth trophy in succession.

Real go into the new campaign without their talisman Ronaldo after selling him to Juve and Messi feels the Madrid giants are weaker for it.

When asked about Real’s decision to sell Ronaldo to Juventus, Messi told Catalunya Radio it had surprised him as he hadn’t imagined Ronaldo would leave Madrid or go to Juventus. “There are many teams who would have liked him,” said Messi.

“Obviously they [Madrid] are one of the best teams in the world, they have great players and squad, but yes the departure of Cristiano makes them less strong.

“It makes Juventus a clear favourite to win the Champions League due to the squad they had before and now with him on top.”

Barcelona have been knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage for the past three years. Last season Barca beat Roma 4-1 in the first leg before losing 3-0 in the second. This meant the Italian side progressed on the away goals rule.

Messi and Barca are now eager to put the setbacks behind them and win the tournament next year. The four-time Champions League winner said: “It is necessary because we have had three years where we have gone out in the quarter-finals and the last was the worst of the lot due to how it happened.

“We are concentrating on this because it is possible – we have a squad where we can fight for this competition.”

Barcelona have been drawn in group B of this season’s Champions League and will play Tottenham, PSV Eindhoven and Inter Milan.

Ronaldo’s Juventus are in group H with Valencia, Young Boys and his former side Manchester United.