Lionel Messi hoisted his first FIFA World Cup trophy with Argentina last December. To cherish the beautiful memories, Messi has gifted his Argentina teammates and staff stunning gold iPhones. Reports have mentioned that Messi splurged £175,000 on 35 individual phones.&nbsp;

Messi led Argentina to win the World Cup title in a penalty shootout, defeating France in one of the most exhilarating games in the history of the tournament.&nbsp;

Reports have mentioned that Messi wished to gift his teammates and staff members a personal memento to honour their contribution and celebrate the success with a personalised gift. Hence, giving the 24-carat gold smartphones.&nbsp;

The Sun quoted a source as saying that Messi "wanted to do something special and blingy to celebrate his proudest moment. He got in touch with entrepreneur Ben Lyons and they came up with the design together."&nbsp;

Ben Lyons,&nbsp;the CEO of iDesign Gold,&nbsp;told The Sun, "Lionel is not only the GOAT but he's one of iDesigns Gold's most loyal customers and got in touch with us a couple of months after the World Cup final."&nbsp;

"He said he wanted a special gift for all the players and staff to celebrate the amazing win but didn't want the usual gift of watches," Lyons said further adding that he "suggested gold iPhones inscribed with their names and he loved the idea".&nbsp;

Reports have mentioned that each smartphone has a similar design to the Argentina team badge with the updated three stars. Details like the player's name and national team shirt number are also there with the words 'World Cup champions 2022' written on them.&nbsp;

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🥇🇦🇷 Lionel Messi has gifted 35 gold plated iPhone 14's to all the Argentina players &amp; staff after the World Cup victory. <a href="https://t.co/1sNRUlwwqf">pic.twitter.com/1sNRUlwwqf</a>
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/eurofootcom/status/1631206512197615617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Lionel Messi has gifted 35 gold plated iPhone 14's to each member of the Argentina squad and staff after their World Cup win. 🥇🇦🇷 
 
Each phone is engraved with the last name, the number of the shirt and the AFA shield with the three stars. 📲⭐⭐⭐ <a href="https://t.co/86KdECGcVX">pic.twitter.com/86KdECGcVX</a>
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Football__Tweet/status/1631208907946196993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Lionel Messi ordered 35 gold-plated iPhone 14s for his teammates and coaching staff as gifts after winning the World Cup Final. 🏆📱🇦🇷 <a href="https://t.co/s4mQER9C3j">pic.twitter.com/s4mQER9C3j</a>
— Leo Messi 🔟 (@WeAreMessi) <a href="https://twitter.com/WeAreMessi/status/1631203596468625408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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After winning the world cup, Messi had said that tournament would be his last, but now it appears he's open to the possibility of playing in the 2026 event.&nbsp;

He recently, told Diario Ole, a sports newspaper in Argentina, "Because of age it'll be difficult to make 2026. I love playing football and while I feel like I'm in good shape and enjoying this, I'm going to keep at it. It seems like a long time until the next World Cup, but it depends on how my career is going."

Messi recently won the Best FIFA Men's player award for last year at a ceremony in Paris. He beat his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe and the other contender&nbsp;Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema to claim the prize.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Lionel Messi hoisted his first FIFA World Cup trophy with Argentina last December. To cherish the beautiful memories, Messi has gifted his Argentina teammates and staff stunning gold iPhones.

Lionel Messi hoisted his first FIFA World Cup trophy with Argentina last December. To cherish the beautiful memories, Messi has gifted his Argentina teammates and staff stunning gold iPhones. Reports have mentioned that Messi splurged £175,000 on 35 individual phones. Messi led Argentina to win the World Cup title in a penalty shootout, defeating France in one of the most exhilarating games in the history of the tournament. Reports have mentioned that Messi wished to gift his teammates and staff members a personal memento to honour their contribution and celebrate the success with a personalised gift. Hence, giving the 24-carat gold smartphones. The Sun quoted a source as saying that Messi "wanted to do something special and blingy to celebrate his proudest moment. He got in touch with entrepreneur Ben Lyons and they came up with the design together." Ben Lyons, the CEO of iDesign Gold, told The Sun, "Lionel is not only the GOAT but he's one of iDesigns Gold's most loyal customers and got in touch with us a couple of months after the World Cup final." "He said he wanted a special gift for all the players and staff to celebrate the amazing win but didn't want the usual gift of watches," Lyons said further adding that he "suggested gold iPhones inscribed with their names and he loved the idea". Reports have mentioned that each smartphone has a similar design to the Argentina team badge with the updated three stars. Details like the player's name and national team shirt number are also there with the words 'World Cup champions 2022' written on them. 🥇🇦🇷 Lionel Messi has gifted 35 gold plated iPhone 14's to all the Argentina players & staff after the World Cup victory. pic.twitter.com/1sNRUlwwqf — EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) March 2, 2023 × Lionel Messi has gifted 35 gold plated iPhone 14's to each member of the Argentina squad and staff after their World Cup win. 🥇🇦🇷 Each phone is engraved with the last name, the number of the shirt and the AFA shield with the three stars. 📲⭐⭐⭐ pic.twitter.com/86KdECGcVX — Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) March 2, 2023 × Lionel Messi ordered 35 gold-plated iPhone 14s for his teammates and coaching staff as gifts after winning the World Cup Final. 🏆📱🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/s4mQER9C3j — Leo Messi 🔟 (@WeAreMessi) March 2, 2023 × After winning the world cup, Messi had said that tournament would be his last, but now it appears he's open to the possibility of playing in the 2026 event. He recently, told Diario Ole, a sports newspaper in Argentina, "Because of age it'll be difficult to make 2026. I love playing football and while I feel like I'm in good shape and enjoying this, I'm going to keep at it. It seems like a long time until the next World Cup, but it depends on how my career is going." Messi recently won the Best FIFA Men's player award for last year at a ceremony in Paris. He beat his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe and the other contender Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema to claim the prize. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Lionel Messi gifts gold iPhones to his Argentina World Cup-winning teammates, support staff

Argentina’s very own Lionel Messi received a death threat after two gunmen opened fire on a supermarket owned by his in-laws in Rosario in the wee hours on&nbsp;Thursday. One of the two people on bike was caught on camera walking towards the supermarket premises, opening fire on the metal shutters on&nbsp;the windows and front door and left a chilling message for the PSG star&nbsp;that read, "Messi, we're waiting for you. Javkin is a narco, he won't take care of you."

Pablo Javkin is the current mayor of Rosario, which is the largest city in the central province of Santa Fe and is 180 miles northwest of the capital Buenos Aires.

Not only this, as per the local media, the attackers were also seeking to extort money from the recently-crowned World Cup winner. Local TV&nbsp;also reported that around 14 shots were fired on the supermarket.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AHORA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AHORA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/URGENTE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#URGENTE</a> | Anticipo del móvil de <a href="https://twitter.com/Cadena3_Rosario?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cadena3_Rosario</a>: catorce balazos al frente del Supermercado Único en Lavalle al 2500. 
 
Es la sucursal perteneciente a la familia Roccuzzo. <a href="https://t.co/DGwt0U5G3p">pic.twitter.com/DGwt0U5G3p</a>
— Cadena 3 Rosario (@Cadena3_Rosario) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cadena3_Rosario/status/1631246746654322689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The supermarket, known as Supermercado Unico, is owned by Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo’s family and is understood to be managed by one of her cousins. It&nbsp;is likely to remain closed for a day following this dreadful incident. Before the attack took place at around 2:00 AM, two people on a motorbike were seen riding around the place.

Messi stays in a huge mansion called ‘The Fortress’ on the outskirts of Rosario. The massive property built in a secured private estate has a gym, an underground garage with space for around 15 cars.

Messi's PSG on top

Meanwhile, the PSG star was recently awarded the FIFA's 'Best Player of the Year 2022' beating his club teammate Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid striker and last year's Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema for the same.

Messi's PSG is currently leading the Ligue 1 standings with 60 points from 25 matches while they will be facing Nantes in the home clash on Sunday March 5th. After that PSG will travel to Bayern for the return leg of their Round of 16 clash in the Champions League.&nbsp;

Argentina’s very own Lionel Messi received a death threat after two gunmen opened fire on a supermarket owned by his in-laws in Rosario in the wee hours on Thursday.

Argentina’s very own Lionel Messi received a death threat after two gunmen opened fire on a supermarket owned by his in-laws in Rosario in the wee hours on Thursday. One of the two people on bike was caught on camera walking towards the supermarket premises, opening fire on the metal shutters on the windows and front door and left a chilling message for the PSG star that read, "Messi, we're waiting for you. Javkin is a narco, he won't take care of you." Pablo Javkin is the current mayor of Rosario, which is the largest city in the central province of Santa Fe and is 180 miles northwest of the capital Buenos Aires. Not only this, as per the local media, the attackers were also seeking to extort money from the recently-crowned World Cup winner. Local TV also reported that around 14 shots were fired on the supermarket. #AHORA #URGENTE | Anticipo del móvil de @Cadena3_Rosario: catorce balazos al frente del Supermercado Único en Lavalle al 2500. Es la sucursal perteneciente a la familia Roccuzzo. pic.twitter.com/DGwt0U5G3p — Cadena 3 Rosario (@Cadena3_Rosario) March 2, 2023 × ALSO READ: Real Madrid vs Barcelona, Live streaming: When & where to watch Copa Del Rey semi-final tie in India? The supermarket, known as Supermercado Unico, is owned by Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo’s family and is understood to be managed by one of her cousins. It is likely to remain closed for a day following this dreadful incident. Before the attack took place at around 2:00 AM, two people on a motorbike were seen riding around the place. Messi stays in a huge mansion called ‘The Fortress’ on the outskirts of Rosario. The massive property built in a secured private estate has a gym, an underground garage with space for around 15 cars. Messi's PSG on top Meanwhile, the PSG star was recently awarded the FIFA's 'Best Player of the Year 2022' beating his club teammate Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid striker and last year's Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema for the same. Messi's PSG is currently leading the Ligue 1 standings with 60 points from 25 matches while they will be facing Nantes in the home clash on Sunday March 5th. After that PSG will travel to Bayern for the return leg of their Round of 16 clash in the Champions League.

Lionel Messi receives death threat after gunmen open fire on supermarket owned by PSG star's in-laws

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Lionel Messi has been crowned as the FIFA Best Men's Player for 2022, two months after winning the World Cup for the first time with Argentina.

Trending on WION: Lionel Messi crowned best men's player 2022 at FIFA awards

Lionel Messi&nbsp;was named FIFA's Best men's player for 2022, while Barcelona star Alexia Putellas was named the Best FIFA women's player for 2022 at a ceremony in Paris on Monday.

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MESSI IS THE WINNER OF THE BEST AWARD ❤️🐐 <a href="https://t.co/4pJhMoVCI6">pic.twitter.com/4pJhMoVCI6</a>
— Messi Media (@LeoMessiMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeoMessiMedia/status/1630321844594294784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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On top of the world. 💫 
<a href="https://twitter.com/alexiaputellas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alexiaputellas</a> has been crowned <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheBest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheBest</a> FIFA Women’s Player 2022! <a href="https://t.co/Wtcgg8SUmO">pic.twitter.com/Wtcgg8SUmO</a>
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWWC/status/1630319588788379651?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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For Messi, it was the second time he won Best FIFA Men's Player after winning it in 2019, while Barcelona and Spain star Alexia Putellas won the award for the second consecutive year.&nbsp;

Messi beat fellow finalists Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema. Putellas won the award over Alex Morgan and Beth Mead.&nbsp;

Messi was expected to win the award after leading Argentina to the World Cup win last year in Qatar, and won the Golden Ball as the tournament's "Best Player."&nbsp;The 35-year-old and a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner succeeds Robert Lewandowski on the FIFA honour list.&nbsp;

This award&nbsp;recognises a year in which the former Barcelona star crowned his glorious career&nbsp;by scoring twice in an epic final in Doha where&nbsp;Argentina beat France on penalties despite Mbappe netting a hat-trick for Les Bleus in a remarkable 3-3 draw.

While the 29-year-old led Barcelona to a domestic treble in 2021-2022 before tearing her ACL on the eve of Spain's Euro 2022 campaign. She beat England's European Championship-winning striker Beth Mead and US Star Alex Morgan to add the Fifa crown to the Ballon d'Or despite spending the last second half of 2022 in a serious knee injury. Prior to her injury, she had scored 11 goals on Barcelona's run to the Champions League final, which they lost to Lyon.

This honour was initially inaugurated in 2016 by FIFA after football's governing body split from Ballon d'Or organisers France Football.&nbsp;

This award is voted for by national team coaches and captains, journalists and fans.

(with inputs from agencies) 
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Lionel Messi was named FIFA's Best men's player for 2022, while Barcelona star Alexia Putellas was named the Best FIFA women's player for 2022 at a ceremony in Paris on Monday.

Lionel Messi was named FIFA's Best men's player for 2022, while Barcelona star Alexia Putellas was named the Best FIFA women's player for 2022 at a ceremony in Paris on Monday. MESSI IS THE WINNER OF THE BEST AWARD ❤️🐐 pic.twitter.com/4pJhMoVCI6 — Messi Media (@LeoMessiMedia) February 27, 2023 × On top of the world. 💫 @alexiaputellas has been crowned #TheBest FIFA Women’s Player 2022! pic.twitter.com/Wtcgg8SUmO — FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) February 27, 2023 × For Messi, it was the second time he won Best FIFA Men's Player after winning it in 2019, while Barcelona and Spain star Alexia Putellas won the award for the second consecutive year. Messi beat fellow finalists Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema. Putellas won the award over Alex Morgan and Beth Mead. Messi was expected to win the award after leading Argentina to the World Cup win last year in Qatar, and won the Golden Ball as the tournament's "Best Player." The 35-year-old and a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner succeeds Robert Lewandowski on the FIFA honour list. This award recognises a year in which the former Barcelona star crowned his glorious career by scoring twice in an epic final in Doha where Argentina beat France on penalties despite Mbappe netting a hat-trick for Les Bleus in a remarkable 3-3 draw. While the 29-year-old led Barcelona to a domestic treble in 2021-2022 before tearing her ACL on the eve of Spain's Euro 2022 campaign. She beat England's European Championship-winning striker Beth Mead and US Star Alex Morgan to add the Fifa crown to the Ballon d'Or despite spending the last second half of 2022 in a serious knee injury. Prior to her injury, she had scored 11 goals on Barcelona's run to the Champions League final, which they lost to Lyon. This honour was initially inaugurated in 2016 by FIFA after football's governing body split from Ballon d'Or organisers France Football. This award is voted for by national team coaches and captains, journalists and fans. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Lionel Messi and Alexia Putellas win 2022 FIFA 'Best Player' awards

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo finds himself in the headlines for a staggering claim made by Chilean model Daniella Chavez. On February 25 (Saturday), she&nbsp;dropped a bombshell on her official Twitter handle by claiming that she possesses an x-rated video with Ronaldo; sending shockwaves through&nbsp;the entire football fraternity.

Chavez took to her official Twitter account and jotted down a long thread of tweets on Ronaldo.&nbsp;The model wrote on Twitter, "If someone has sex with another person who is not their partner, but is a free person of mind and body without giving explanations, is that infidelity? So with&nbsp;@Cristiano we are unfaithful? It was only sex and with permission on my side of the no! Free sex also exists."

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Si alguien Tiene sexo con otra persona que no es su pareja, Pero es una persona libre de mente y cuerpo sin dar explicaciones eso es infidelidad? Entonces con <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a> somos infieles ? Solo fue sex y con permiso por mi lado del no! El sex libre también existe 💋
— Daniella Chavez (@daniellachavezc) <a href="https://twitter.com/daniellachavezc/status/1629243238749020163?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-and-alexia-putellas-win-2022-fifa-best-player-awards-566616">Lionel Messi and Alexia Putellas win 2022 FIFA 'Best Player' awards</a>

Following the shocking claims, Chavez further added that she will never release the video in a bid to respect Ronaldo's privacy. Not only did she target the superstar striker, she also went after 'a very famous Argentina no. 10'. She wrote, "No need to add anything that isn't true, I know other women who dated a very famous Argentina No. 10 as well. I even have a video to prove it but I can't upload it because it's his privacy and we are completely naked."

'A very famous Argentina no. 10...'

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Siempre lo negué , Invente mucho para safar de eso, Pero no puedo más!
— Daniella Chavez (@daniellachavezc) <a href="https://twitter.com/daniellachavezc/status/1629246519097405452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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No le Pongan de más, Conozo otras chicas que salieron con un 10 muy famoso de Argentina su no es el más!
— Daniella Chavez (@daniellachavezc) <a href="https://twitter.com/daniellachavezc/status/1629249325934034949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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At present, Ronaldo is involved with the Riyadh-based club Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. He joined the club early this year, on a record-deal which reportedly made him the highest paid-footballer in the world, and is on a roll for them. He already&nbsp;has a tally of eight goals in five matches for his new club, including two hat-tricks. Ronaldo's longtime rival Messi, on the other hand, was&nbsp;named FIFA's Best men's player for 2022 in an event in Paris on Monday (February 27).

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo finds himself in the headlines for a staggering claim made by Chilean model Daniella Chavez. On February 25 (Saturday), she dropped a bombshell on her official Twitter handle by claiming that she possesses an x-rated video with Ronaldo; sending shockwaves through the entire football fraternity.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo finds himself in the headlines for a staggering claim made by Chilean model Daniella Chavez. On February 25 (Saturday), she dropped a bombshell on her official Twitter handle by claiming that she possesses an x-rated video with Ronaldo; sending shockwaves through the entire football fraternity. Chavez took to her official Twitter account and jotted down a long thread of tweets on Ronaldo. The model wrote on Twitter, "If someone has sex with another person who is not their partner, but is a free person of mind and body without giving explanations, is that infidelity? So with @Cristiano we are unfaithful? It was only sex and with permission on my side of the no! Free sex also exists." Si alguien Tiene sexo con otra persona que no es su pareja, Pero es una persona libre de mente y cuerpo sin dar explicaciones eso es infidelidad? Entonces con @Cristiano somos infieles ? Solo fue sex y con permiso por mi lado del no! El sex libre también existe 💋 — Daniella Chavez (@daniellachavezc) February 24, 2023 × Also Read: Lionel Messi and Alexia Putellas win 2022 FIFA 'Best Player' awards Following the shocking claims, Chavez further added that she will never release the video in a bid to respect Ronaldo's privacy. Not only did she target the superstar striker, she also went after 'a very famous Argentina no. 10'. She wrote, "No need to add anything that isn't true, I know other women who dated a very famous Argentina No. 10 as well. I even have a video to prove it but I can't upload it because it's his privacy and we are completely naked." 'A very famous Argentina no. 10...' Siempre lo negué , Invente mucho para safar de eso, Pero no puedo más! — Daniella Chavez (@daniellachavezc) February 24, 2023 × No le Pongan de más, Conozo otras chicas que salieron con un 10 muy famoso de Argentina su no es el más! — Daniella Chavez (@daniellachavezc) February 24, 2023 × At present, Ronaldo is involved with the Riyadh-based club Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. He joined the club early this year, on a record-deal which reportedly made him the highest paid-footballer in the world, and is on a roll for them. He already has a tally of eight goals in five matches for his new club, including two hat-tricks. Ronaldo's longtime rival Messi, on the other hand, was named FIFA's Best men's player for 2022 in an event in Paris on Monday (February 27).

Shocking! Chilean model makes BOLD remark, claims to possess X-rated videos with Cristiano Ronaldo

Lionel Messi has returned to doing what he does best, scoring goals and winnings awards. Already termed as one of the most decorated footballers in history, Messi on Sunday completed his 700th club goal in his incredible career and is also close on winning the FIFA’s ‘Best Male Player of the Year 2022’ award on Monday in Paris. Messi, who won his maiden FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year, is leading the race ahead of French striker Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema to claim his second award.

Having scored seven goals and contributing with three assists in seven games at the World Cup, Messi was awarded with the Golden Ball for the second time in his career. Meanwhile, Mbappe, who won his first World Cup with France in 2018, scored a hattrick in the finals this time, although his team fell shy of lifting the coveted trophy for the successive time.

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Lionel Messi scores 700 club goals in his incredible career — 28 goals with PSG &amp; 672 with Barcelona ⭐️🇦🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a> 
 
Messi has also two assists for Mbappé tonight… 
 
…and Leo’s also gonna win “The Best” FIFA Award on Monday in Paris 🥇 <a href="https://t.co/ylyQXbQrgh">pic.twitter.com/ylyQXbQrgh</a>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1629959925559447553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/casemiro-guides-manchester-united-to-2-0-win-over-newcastle-in-league-cup-final-lifts-trophy-for-sixth-time-566229">Casemiro guides Manchester United to 2-0 win over Newcastle in League Cup final, lifts trophy for sixth time</a>

On the other hand, Karim Benzema, who also claimed&nbsp;the&nbsp;Ballon d’Or for the first time in last season following Real Madrid’s Champions League title win, is nominated for this award for the first time alongside Mbappe.

Messi, Mbappe shine in Ligue 1

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe scored and assisted in Paris Saint-Germain’s 3-0 win over Olympique de Marseille on Sunday night in an away clash. While Mbappe scored a brace and became PSG’s all-time record goal-scorer with 200 goals, equaling Edison Cavani’s tally, Messi, who assisted in both goals, also completed his record 700th club goals (672 for Barcelona and 28 for PSG).&nbsp;This win also helped PSG extend their Ligue 1 lead to eight points with Marseille on second with 52 points.

Meanwhile, league leaders PSG will next face Nantes at home before travelling to Munich for their return leg against Bayern in Champions League. As things stand, PSG is trailing by 0-1 and will hope to put forward an inspiring performance to cruise to the next round.

Lionel Messi has returned to doing what he does best, scoring goals and winnings awards. Already termed as one of the most decorated footballers in history, Messi on Sunday completed his 700th club goal in his incredible career and is also close on winning the FIFA’s ‘Best Male Player of the Year 2022’ award on Monday in Paris.

Lionel Messi has returned to doing what he does best, scoring goals and winnings awards. Already termed as one of the most decorated footballers in history, Messi on Sunday completed his 700th club goal in his incredible career and is also close on winning the FIFA’s ‘Best Male Player of the Year 2022’ award on Monday in Paris. Messi, who won his maiden FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year, is leading the race ahead of French striker Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema to claim his second award. Having scored seven goals and contributing with three assists in seven games at the World Cup, Messi was awarded with the Golden Ball for the second time in his career. Meanwhile, Mbappe, who won his first World Cup with France in 2018, scored a hattrick in the finals this time, although his team fell shy of lifting the coveted trophy for the successive time. Lionel Messi scores 700 club goals in his incredible career — 28 goals with PSG & 672 with Barcelona ⭐️🇦🇷 #Messi Messi has also two assists for Mbappé tonight… …and Leo’s also gonna win “The Best” FIFA Award on Monday in Paris 🥇 pic.twitter.com/ylyQXbQrgh — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 26, 2023 × ALSO READ: Casemiro guides Manchester United to 2-0 win over Newcastle in League Cup final, lifts trophy for sixth time On the other hand, Karim Benzema, who also claimed the Ballon d’Or for the first time in last season following Real Madrid’s Champions League title win, is nominated for this award for the first time alongside Mbappe. Messi, Mbappe shine in Ligue 1 Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe scored and assisted in Paris Saint-Germain’s 3-0 win over Olympique de Marseille on Sunday night in an away clash. While Mbappe scored a brace and became PSG’s all-time record goal-scorer with 200 goals, equaling Edison Cavani’s tally, Messi, who assisted in both goals, also completed his record 700th club goals (672 for Barcelona and 28 for PSG). This win also helped PSG extend their Ligue 1 lead to eight points with Marseille on second with 52 points. Meanwhile, league leaders PSG will next face Nantes at home before travelling to Munich for their return leg against Bayern in Champions League. As things stand, PSG is trailing by 0-1 and will hope to put forward an inspiring performance to cruise to the next round.

Record-breaker Lionel Messi completes 700 club goals, to fight Benzema, Mbappe for FIFA's 'Best Player' award

FIFA Awards 2023: Paris will witness The Best FIFA Football Awards on February 28, 2023. Fans are excited to know which player will get the prestigious Best FIFA Men's Player Award 2022.

FIFA Awards 2023: Paris will witness The Best FIFA Football Awards on February 28, 2023. Fans are excited to know which player will get the prestigious Best FIFA Men's Player Award 2022. The finalists for the most awaited title in the FIFA Awards 2022 are PSG stars Lionel Messi, Kylian MBappe and Karim Benzema from Real Madrid. Last year, Lionel Messi was in excellent form. He ended the year on a high note. He led Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. On the other hand, Mbappe's France had to face defeat in FIFA World Cup Finals. But his team won the 2021-22 Ligue 1 title with PSG. Moreover, Benzema leads Real Madrid to the La Liga, UEFA Champions League and Club World Cup titles. He also won the Ballon d'Or last year. Beth Mead of England, Beth Morgan of the United States and Alexa Putellas of Spain are listed for the Best Women's Player FIFA Award. Here are all the details you need to know about FIFA Awards 2022-23, including the full players' list, awards, date, time, venue, and live streaming details. FIFA Awards 2023: Best Player Nominees The Best FIFA Women's Player: Aitana Bonmatí (Spain / FC Barcelona) Debinha (Brazil / North Carolina Courage) Jessie Fleming (Canada / Chelsea FC Women) Ada Hegerberg (Norway / Olympique Lyonnais) Sam Kerr (Australia / Chelsea FC Women) Beth Mead (England / Arsenal WFC) Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands / Arsenal WFC) Alex Morgan (USA / Orlando Pride / San Diego Wave) Lena Oberdorf (Germany / VfL Wolfsburg) Alexandra Popp (Germany / VfL Wolfsburg) Alexia Putellas (Spain / FC Barcelona) Wendie Renard (France / Olympique Lyonnais) Keira Walsh (England / Manchester City WFC / FC Barcelona) Leah Williamson (England / Arsenal WFC) The Best FIFA Men's Player: Julian Alvarez (Argentina / River Plate / Manchester City FC) Jude Bellingham (England / BV Borussia 09 Dortmund) Karim Benzema (France / Real Madrid CF) Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium / Manchester City FC) Erling Haaland (Norway / BV Borussia 09 Dortmund / Manchester City FC) Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain) Robert Lewandowski (Poland / FC Bayern Munich/ FC Barcelona) Sadio Mane (Senegal / Liverpool FC / FC Bayern Munich) Kylian Mbappe (France / Paris Saint-Germain) Lionel Messi (Argentina / Paris Saint-Germain) Luka Modric (Croatia / Real Madrid CF) Neymar (Brazil / Paris Saint-Germain) Mohamed Salah (Egypt / Liverpool FC) Vinicius Junior (Brazil / Real Madrid CF) The Best FIFA Women's Coach: Sonia Bompastor (France / Olympique Lyonnais) Emma Hayes (England / Chelsea FC Women) Bev Priestman (England / Canadian National Team) Pia Sundhage (Sweden / Brazilian National Team) Martina Voss-Tecklenburg (Germany / German National Team) Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands / English National Team) The Best FIFA Men's Coach: Carlo Ancelotti (Italy / Real Madrid CF) Didier Deschamps (France / French National Team) Pep Guardiola (Spain / Manchester City FC) Walid Regragui (Morocco / Wydad AC / Moroccan National Team) Lionel Scaloni (Argentina / Argentinian National Team) The Best FIFA Women's Goalkeeper: Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany / Chelsea FC Women) Mary Earps (England / Manchester United WFC) Christiane Endler (Chile / Olympique Lyonnais) Merle Frohms (Germany / Eintracht Frankfurt / VfL Wolfsburg) Alyssa Naeher (USA / Chicago Red Stars) Sandra Panos Garcia-Villamil (Spain / FC Barcelona) The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper: Álisson Becker (Brazil / Liverpool FC) Yassine Bounou (Morocco / Sevilla FC) Thibaut Courtois (Belgium / Real Madrid CF) Ederson (Brazil / Manchester City FC) Emiliano Martinez (Argentina / Aston Villa FC) FIFA Awards 2023: Date & Time The FIFA Football Awards ceremony is on Monday, February 27, at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France. In India, due to the time difference, the FIFA Awards live streaming will begin at 1:30 AM IST on February 28, 2023. FIFA Awards 2023: Live Streaming Details How can I watch FIFA Awards 2023 live stream on mobile? You can watch 'The Best FIFA Awards 2023' on the official YouTube Channels of FIFA and JioCinema. How can I watch the live telecast of the FIFA Awards 2023? Sports 18 network will telecast The Best FIFA Football Awards 2023.

FIFA Awards 2023 Best Player: Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappe, Check full players list, ceremony date & time

Doors will always be open at the club for the former Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, current manager Xavi Hernandez said ahead of the side’s second-leg round-of-16 match against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Europa League. Speaking highly of Messi, who is also regarded as the greatest ever to grace the game by many, Xavi said he is in permanent contact with the Argentinean, and that Camp Nou was and will always remain Messi’s home. Remaining tight-lipped on if he had spoken with Messi about a potential return to his former club, Xavi said it is for Messi to decide his future but at the same time hasn’t ruled out this becoming a reality.

"This is his home and the doors are open to him. There is no doubt about it. He is a friend, we are in permanent contact. It will depend a lot on him, on what he wants to do in his future, on what the club wants to do as well," Xavi said about&nbsp;Lionel Messi.

Meanwhile, Messi left FC Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, after spending good 21&nbsp;years at the club where he achieved unparalleled success in addition to winning seven Ballon d’Or titles – considered to be the greatest individual prize in football.

When asked if the recently-crowned World Cup winner be able to fit in the current squad, Xavi said a player of Messi’s stature could fit in any squad.

"He is the best in the world and in history; he would always fit in," Xavi added.

Plying his trade in France at the moment, Messi’s PSG is currently leading the points table in Ligue 1 while they trail 0-1 against Bayern Munich in their round-of-16 clash in the Champions League with the second leg scheduled to take place at Allianz Arena on Thursday, March 9th.

Xavi’s Barcelona ready to take down United in away fixture

Having played a 2-2 draw at home in the first leg, Barcelona will take on the spirited Manchester United in an away clash on Wednesday at Old Trafford. United, who are cruising ahead with some stunning spells on the football pitch lately, will be a tougher challenge for the traveling Barcelona said, Xavi reckons. Hailing Manchester United’s current side as one of the best in Europe at the moment, Xavi opined for Barcelona to beat them at their home, they need to show both mentality and character.

"It's a very difficult game. Manchester United is one of the best teams in Europe. On many levels they are the best United have been in recent years. At Camp Nou, they showed a lot of personality, a lot of character, a lot of pace. We need the mentality to win a big game in Europe," said Xavi. "It's a perfect occasion to show that Barcelona can compete against one of the big teams in Europe. It's a very good opportunity. It's a test; every game for Barcelona is a test, this one with more emphasis.”

Doors will always be open at the club for the former Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, current manager Xavi Hernandez said ahead of the side’s second-leg round-of-16 match against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Europa League.

Doors will always be open at the club for the former Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, current manager Xavi Hernandez said ahead of the side’s second-leg round-of-16 match against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Europa League. Speaking highly of Messi, who is also regarded as the greatest ever to grace the game by many, Xavi said he is in permanent contact with the Argentinean, and that Camp Nou was and will always remain Messi’s home. Remaining tight-lipped on if he had spoken with Messi about a potential return to his former club, Xavi said it is for Messi to decide his future but at the same time hasn’t ruled out this becoming a reality. "This is his home and the doors are open to him. There is no doubt about it. He is a friend, we are in permanent contact. It will depend a lot on him, on what he wants to do in his future, on what the club wants to do as well," Xavi said about Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Messi left FC Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, after spending good 21 years at the club where he achieved unparalleled success in addition to winning seven Ballon d’Or titles – considered to be the greatest individual prize in football. When asked if the recently-crowned World Cup winner be able to fit in the current squad, Xavi said a player of Messi’s stature could fit in any squad. "He is the best in the world and in history; he would always fit in," Xavi added. Plying his trade in France at the moment, Messi’s PSG is currently leading the points table in Ligue 1 while they trail 0-1 against Bayern Munich in their round-of-16 clash in the Champions League with the second leg scheduled to take place at Allianz Arena on Thursday, March 9th. Xavi’s Barcelona ready to take down United in away fixture Having played a 2-2 draw at home in the first leg, Barcelona will take on the spirited Manchester United in an away clash on Wednesday at Old Trafford. United, who are cruising ahead with some stunning spells on the football pitch lately, will be a tougher challenge for the traveling Barcelona said, Xavi reckons. Hailing Manchester United’s current side as one of the best in Europe at the moment, Xavi opined for Barcelona to beat them at their home, they need to show both mentality and character. "It's a very difficult game. Manchester United is one of the best teams in Europe. On many levels they are the best United have been in recent years. At Camp Nou, they showed a lot of personality, a lot of character, a lot of pace. We need the mentality to win a big game in Europe," said Xavi. "It's a perfect occasion to show that Barcelona can compete against one of the big teams in Europe. It's a very good opportunity. It's a test; every game for Barcelona is a test, this one with more emphasis.”

'He's the best in history, doors are always open for him at Barcelona,' says Xavi on Lionel Messi

The nominations for the Laureus World Sports Awards 2023 have been announced and this year, the world`s pre-eminent sporting awards ceremony will celebrate not only athletes who thrilled sports fans over the previous 12 months but several who will end their careers with a claim to be the greatest in the history of their sport. Six nominees have been selected across seven nominated Laureus categories, with six inspirational programmes also shortlisted for the Laureus Sport for Good Award. The more than 1,400 members of the Laureus Global Media Nominations Panel decided on all but one category - the shortlist for the Laureus World Sportsperson with a Disability Award was chosen by a specialist panel from the International Paralympic Committee.

But what makes these Awards unique is the final stage of the judging process: a vote by the 71 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy - Olympic champions, world-record breakers, athletes who redefined their sports and who now make up the ultimate jury on sporting greatness.The Award winners in these categories and recipients of the Awards presented at the discretion of the Laureus World Sports Academy will be announced at the Laureus World Sports Awards in the Spring.The nominees for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award spent 2022 climbing to the very pinnacle of their sport. Lionel Messi collected the one prize that had eluded him by leading Argentina to the World Cup. Kylian Mbappe`s hat trick in the final earned him the Golden Boot as the World Cup`s leading goalscorer. Rafael Nadal ended 2022 alone at the top of the all-time list of men`s Grand Slam champions with 22 titles after victory in Australia and France.

Max Verstappen joins Messi and Nadal as past winners of this Award on the 2023 shortlist after defending his Formula One world title. Mondo Duplantis broke the pole vault world record on three occasions and won world titles indoors and out. Steph Curry led the Golden State Warriors to a fourth NBA championship in eight years.Formula One world champion and current Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, Max Verstappen said: "It`s an honour to be nominated for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award. Winning last year was an incredible moment for me: it is such a prestigious accolade, and it means even more when you`re up against the world`s best athletes. To be shortlisted again is an achievement in itself, so thank you to my team Oracle Red Bull Racing for the support throughout our Championship winning year, and thank you to the world`s media for nominating me."

The race for the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award is led by two athletes who lit up the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce became a five-time champion over 100m, while Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone added the world title to her Olympic crown with a world record in the 400m hurdles. At the World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, Katie Ledecky won four golds, taking her total to 22, a record for a female swimmer. Alexia Putellas led FC Barcelona to a perfect season in the Spanish league and claimed a second Ballon d`Or. Mikaela Shiffrin regained her overall title at the Alpine Ski World Cup, while Iga Swiatek emerged from 2022 as the undisputed No.1 in women`s tennis, winning in Paris and New York. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce said: "I would like to thank the world`s sports media for this special nomination. This is my sixth nomination for the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year and it is a great honour. I continue to be inspired by the wider Laureus movement and initiatives in celebrating the power of sports to change the world, which further makes the nomination special. Thank you Laureus and the world`s sports media for nominating me once again."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-and-his-father-wanted-these-six-players-to-be-expelled-from-barcelona-reports-563985">Lionel Messi and his father wanted THESE six players to be expelled from Barcelona: Reports</a>

Two meteoric tennis talents have been nominated for the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award. Carlos Alcaraz gave a preview of the next era in the men`s game, winning the US Open to end the year as the sport`s youngest-ever No.1-ranked player. In the women`s game, Elena Rybakina won her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon. Scottie Scheffler won The Masters and tied for second at the US Open on his way to becoming golf`s No.1. Also nominated are the Morocco Men`s Football Team who captivated the world on their adventure to the semi-finals of the World Cup; Nathan Chen, the figure skater who added Olympic gold to a world title; and Tobi Amusan, who broke the 100m hurdles world record on the way to claiming Nigeria`s first-ever gold medal at the World Athletics Championships. The nominees for the Laureus World Team of the Year Award include both serial winners and ground-breakers. The Argentina Men`s Football Team won a third World Cup, but the first in a generation led by Lionel Messi. No team has won the Champions League more than Real Madrid, who claimed their 14th title to go with another La Liga championship. The Golden State Warriors` fourth NBA championship in eight years ensured their legacy will last forever.

The Oracle Red Bull Racing ended the eight-year reign of Mercedes with a Max Verstappen-led victory in the Constructors` Championship. The France Men`s Rugby Team had not won the Six Nations Championship since the Grand Slam of 2010 - and they repeated that feat to reclaim the crown in style. And there were no more dramatic champions than the England Women`s Football Team, who on home soil fulfilled their promise to become champions of Europe. The Laureus Sport for Good Award recognises an individual or organisation who, in the opinion of the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, has made a significant contribution to transforming the lives of children and young people through sport. This year, the inspirational shortlist includes a movement-based psychosocial support intervention developed by War Child, Save the Children and UNICEF the Netherlands that uses physical activity to relieve stress in children affected by war or conflict (TeamUp); one that uses boxing to challenge stereotypes and empowers young women in Kenya (Boxgirls); a football project aimed at educating and elevating the homeless population in Delhi (Slum Soccer); a programme whose mission is to make sport inclusive for people with disabilities in South Africa (Made For More) and a project in Germany that uses action sports to help orphaned and migrant children integrate into new communities (High Five).

Diede de Groot, who completed back-to-back calendar Grand Slams to set a new standard in wheelchair tennis, is nominated for the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award. She is joined in an inspirational category by Catherine Debrunner, who broke world records in T53 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m on her home track in Switzerland, then moved up to marathon, winning on her debut in Berlin, and in London. After a break of over two years from competitive swimming, New Zealand`s Cameron Leslie - who also competes in wheelchair rugby as a Wheel Black - won S4 100m freestyle gold at the World Para Swimming Championships. At the Winter Paralympics in China, Declan Farmer led the USA to a third consecutive gold medal in Ice Hockey and was the tournament`s top scorer; Jesper Saltvik Pedersen won four golds on the slopes; and the multi-sport phenomenon Oksana Masters added another chapter to her legend with double gold in the para biathlon.

Three surfers are nominated for the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award. Filipe Toledo of Brazil was the world champion for the first time. For Stephanie Gilmore, a previous winner of this Award, it was world championship No.8, while big-wave specialist Justine Dupont continued to thrill in that most daring of disciplines. At the Beijing Winter Olympics, freestyle skier Eileen Gu won two gold medals - in big air and halfpipe, while snowboarder Chloe Kim defended the halfpipe gold she had won as a teenager in 2018. Skateboarder Rayassa Leal was still only 14 as she won Street gold at both the Summer X Games and the World Championships. What we love about sport is not always measured in medals and there are some inspirational stories within the nominations for Laureus World Comeback of the Year. Tiger Woods` return at Augusta, 14 months after a car crash that crushed one of his feet, was as moving as any of his Major wins. Klay Thompson missed two entire seasons through injuries before returning to win his fourth NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors. At the World Athletics Championships, there was no upset greater than Jake Wightman`s defeat of Jakob Ingebrigtsen in the 1500m final.

Norway`s 21-year-old track superstar responded with gold in the 5,000m a few days later. Francesco Bagnaia won his first MotoGP title from a seemingly impossible position - he trailed by 91 points in mid-season. Annemiek van Vleuten started the Tour de France Femmes fighting illness and slumping to the back of the field, before fighting through the ranks to win it all. Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field after suffering cardiac arrest during a Euro 2020 match for Denmark. In February 2022, he returned to the field in the Premier League.&nbsp;

The nominations for the Laureus World Sports Awards 2023 have been announced and this year, the world`s pre-eminent sporting awards ceremony will celebrate not only athletes who thrilled sports fans over the previous 12 months but several who will end their careers with a claim to be the greatest in the history of their sport.

The nominations for the Laureus World Sports Awards 2023 have been announced and this year, the world`s pre-eminent sporting awards ceremony will celebrate not only athletes who thrilled sports fans over the previous 12 months but several who will end their careers with a claim to be the greatest in the history of their sport. Six nominees have been selected across seven nominated Laureus categories, with six inspirational programmes also shortlisted for the Laureus Sport for Good Award. The more than 1,400 members of the Laureus Global Media Nominations Panel decided on all but one category - the shortlist for the Laureus World Sportsperson with a Disability Award was chosen by a specialist panel from the International Paralympic Committee. But what makes these Awards unique is the final stage of the judging process: a vote by the 71 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy - Olympic champions, world-record breakers, athletes who redefined their sports and who now make up the ultimate jury on sporting greatness.The Award winners in these categories and recipients of the Awards presented at the discretion of the Laureus World Sports Academy will be announced at the Laureus World Sports Awards in the Spring.The nominees for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award spent 2022 climbing to the very pinnacle of their sport. Lionel Messi collected the one prize that had eluded him by leading Argentina to the World Cup. Kylian Mbappe`s hat trick in the final earned him the Golden Boot as the World Cup`s leading goalscorer. Rafael Nadal ended 2022 alone at the top of the all-time list of men`s Grand Slam champions with 22 titles after victory in Australia and France. Max Verstappen joins Messi and Nadal as past winners of this Award on the 2023 shortlist after defending his Formula One world title. Mondo Duplantis broke the pole vault world record on three occasions and won world titles indoors and out. Steph Curry led the Golden State Warriors to a fourth NBA championship in eight years.Formula One world champion and current Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, Max Verstappen said: "It`s an honour to be nominated for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award. Winning last year was an incredible moment for me: it is such a prestigious accolade, and it means even more when you`re up against the world`s best athletes. To be shortlisted again is an achievement in itself, so thank you to my team Oracle Red Bull Racing for the support throughout our Championship winning year, and thank you to the world`s media for nominating me." The race for the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award is led by two athletes who lit up the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce became a five-time champion over 100m, while Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone added the world title to her Olympic crown with a world record in the 400m hurdles. At the World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, Katie Ledecky won four golds, taking her total to 22, a record for a female swimmer. Alexia Putellas led FC Barcelona to a perfect season in the Spanish league and claimed a second Ballon d`Or. Mikaela Shiffrin regained her overall title at the Alpine Ski World Cup, while Iga Swiatek emerged from 2022 as the undisputed No.1 in women`s tennis, winning in Paris and New York. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce said: "I would like to thank the world`s sports media for this special nomination. This is my sixth nomination for the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year and it is a great honour. I continue to be inspired by the wider Laureus movement and initiatives in celebrating the power of sports to change the world, which further makes the nomination special. Thank you Laureus and the world`s sports media for nominating me once again." Also Read: Lionel Messi and his father wanted THESE six players to be expelled from Barcelona: Reports Two meteoric tennis talents have been nominated for the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award. Carlos Alcaraz gave a preview of the next era in the men`s game, winning the US Open to end the year as the sport`s youngest-ever No.1-ranked player. In the women`s game, Elena Rybakina won her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon. Scottie Scheffler won The Masters and tied for second at the US Open on his way to becoming golf`s No.1. Also nominated are the Morocco Men`s Football Team who captivated the world on their adventure to the semi-finals of the World Cup; Nathan Chen, the figure skater who added Olympic gold to a world title; and Tobi Amusan, who broke the 100m hurdles world record on the way to claiming Nigeria`s first-ever gold medal at the World Athletics Championships. The nominees for the Laureus World Team of the Year Award include both serial winners and ground-breakers. The Argentina Men`s Football Team won a third World Cup, but the first in a generation led by Lionel Messi. No team has won the Champions League more than Real Madrid, who claimed their 14th title to go with another La Liga championship. The Golden State Warriors` fourth NBA championship in eight years ensured their legacy will last forever. The Oracle Red Bull Racing ended the eight-year reign of Mercedes with a Max Verstappen-led victory in the Constructors` Championship. The France Men`s Rugby Team had not won the Six Nations Championship since the Grand Slam of 2010 - and they repeated that feat to reclaim the crown in style. And there were no more dramatic champions than the England Women`s Football Team, who on home soil fulfilled their promise to become champions of Europe. The Laureus Sport for Good Award recognises an individual or organisation who, in the opinion of the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, has made a significant contribution to transforming the lives of children and young people through sport. This year, the inspirational shortlist includes a movement-based psychosocial support intervention developed by War Child, Save the Children and UNICEF the Netherlands that uses physical activity to relieve stress in children affected by war or conflict (TeamUp); one that uses boxing to challenge stereotypes and empowers young women in Kenya (Boxgirls); a football project aimed at educating and elevating the homeless population in Delhi (Slum Soccer); a programme whose mission is to make sport inclusive for people with disabilities in South Africa (Made For More) and a project in Germany that uses action sports to help orphaned and migrant children integrate into new communities (High Five). Diede de Groot, who completed back-to-back calendar Grand Slams to set a new standard in wheelchair tennis, is nominated for the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award. She is joined in an inspirational category by Catherine Debrunner, who broke world records in T53 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m on her home track in Switzerland, then moved up to marathon, winning on her debut in Berlin, and in London. After a break of over two years from competitive swimming, New Zealand`s Cameron Leslie - who also competes in wheelchair rugby as a Wheel Black - won S4 100m freestyle gold at the World Para Swimming Championships. At the Winter Paralympics in China, Declan Farmer led the USA to a third consecutive gold medal in Ice Hockey and was the tournament`s top scorer; Jesper Saltvik Pedersen won four golds on the slopes; and the multi-sport phenomenon Oksana Masters added another chapter to her legend with double gold in the para biathlon. Three surfers are nominated for the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award. Filipe Toledo of Brazil was the world champion for the first time. For Stephanie Gilmore, a previous winner of this Award, it was world championship No.8, while big-wave specialist Justine Dupont continued to thrill in that most daring of disciplines. At the Beijing Winter Olympics, freestyle skier Eileen Gu won two gold medals - in big air and halfpipe, while snowboarder Chloe Kim defended the halfpipe gold she had won as a teenager in 2018. Skateboarder Rayassa Leal was still only 14 as she won Street gold at both the Summer X Games and the World Championships. What we love about sport is not always measured in medals and there are some inspirational stories within the nominations for Laureus World Comeback of the Year. Tiger Woods` return at Augusta, 14 months after a car crash that crushed one of his feet, was as moving as any of his Major wins. Klay Thompson missed two entire seasons through injuries before returning to win his fourth NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors. At the World Athletics Championships, there was no upset greater than Jake Wightman`s defeat of Jakob Ingebrigtsen in the 1500m final. Norway`s 21-year-old track superstar responded with gold in the 5,000m a few days later. Francesco Bagnaia won his first MotoGP title from a seemingly impossible position - he trailed by 91 points in mid-season. Annemiek van Vleuten started the Tour de France Femmes fighting illness and slumping to the back of the field, before fighting through the ranks to win it all. Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field after suffering cardiac arrest during a Euro 2020 match for Denmark. In February 2022, he returned to the field in the Premier League.

Laureus World Sports Awards 2023: Messi, Nadal, Curry, Swiatek spearhead All-Star nominations

In what comes as shocking news for all the football fans across the world, recently-crowned World Cup winner with Argentina, Lionel Messi and his father once gave an ultimatum to then Barcelona President Joan Laporta to expel six players if they wanted to retain him, as reported by Venezuelan newspaper El Nacional. The report also suggests&nbsp;that Messi and his father -&nbsp;who also happened to be his agent, pushed Laporta to get rid of half a dozen players including Messi’s old teammate and Champions League winner, Gerard Pique. Messi, in 2021, after spending more than two decades at Camp Nou, left FC Barcelona for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint Germain.

As reports of an alleged rift between Messi and Pique made headlines on several occasions in the past, the ex-World Cup winner with Spain even admitted sitting across the table with the top brass at the club and spoke about repercussions of renewing Messi’s contract at FC Barcelona. Having played 506 matches together at the club, Messi and Pique had their differences and the defender opened up about what he told the bosses last year while signing a new contract.

“I’m good with numbers, but I find it hard to get my head around the financial fair play thing. I don’t know. I sat down with the president and it was clear that I had to reach an agreement with the club; otherwise we weren’t going to be able to register any signings. And I think if Leo’s contract had been renewed, the numbers would have been really difficult. I don’t know whether or not it would have been viable if everyone had made a monumental effort. I don’t have the information,” Pique told Spanish newspaper El Pais in 2022.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messis-last-minute-free-kick-helps-psg-beat-lille-4-3-coach-galtier-rues-schedule-for-neymars-injury-563893">Lionel Messi's last-minute free-kick helps PSG beat Lille 4-3, coach Galtier rues schedule for Neymar's injury</a>

Pique also claimed that he didn’t wish Messi congratulations after he won the World Cup last year, saying that he wanted some time off from everything, and that he didn’t even watch the final match completely.

“No, honestly, no. My last months were very hard and I needed to disconnect. I haven’t seen any sport, and I did not even see any World Cup games. This will seem crazy to you but I didn’t watch any games, just the final and not the whole game,” Spain’s veteran defender told Tiktok personality John Nellis earlier.

Meanwhile, other than Pique, Lionel Messi and his father wanted goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, mid-fielder Riqui Puig, forward Antoine Griezmann, young winger Ansu Fati and head coach Ronald Koeman to be removed if the club intended to renew Messi’s contract then.

Lately, Messi broke the internet with a tremendous free-kick strike during the dying minutes in the league game against Lille – helping his team win the crucial match 4-3.

You can watch the video here -

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That Moment and the way he celebrated that goal says it all that how much he passionate about PSG 🥺❤️💙 
 
Lionel Messi 👏❤️🐐 <a href="https://t.co/piABT0hklg">pic.twitter.com/piABT0hklg</a>
— EhsaN (@EhsaN_PSG) <a href="https://twitter.com/EhsaN_PSG/status/1627540768113192960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

In what comes as shocking news for all the football fans across the world, recently-crowned World Cup winner with Argentina, Lionel Messi and his father once gave an ultimatum to then Barcelona President Joan Laporta to expel six players if they wanted to retain him, as reported by Venezuelan newspaper El Nacional.

In what comes as shocking news for all the football fans across the world, recently-crowned World Cup winner with Argentina, Lionel Messi and his father once gave an ultimatum to then Barcelona President Joan Laporta to expel six players if they wanted to retain him, as reported by Venezuelan newspaper El Nacional. The report also suggests that Messi and his father - who also happened to be his agent, pushed Laporta to get rid of half a dozen players including Messi’s old teammate and Champions League winner, Gerard Pique. Messi, in 2021, after spending more than two decades at Camp Nou, left FC Barcelona for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint Germain. As reports of an alleged rift between Messi and Pique made headlines on several occasions in the past, the ex-World Cup winner with Spain even admitted sitting across the table with the top brass at the club and spoke about repercussions of renewing Messi’s contract at FC Barcelona. Having played 506 matches together at the club, Messi and Pique had their differences and the defender opened up about what he told the bosses last year while signing a new contract. “I’m good with numbers, but I find it hard to get my head around the financial fair play thing. I don’t know. I sat down with the president and it was clear that I had to reach an agreement with the club; otherwise we weren’t going to be able to register any signings. And I think if Leo’s contract had been renewed, the numbers would have been really difficult. I don’t know whether or not it would have been viable if everyone had made a monumental effort. I don’t have the information,” Pique told Spanish newspaper El Pais in 2022. ALSO READ: Lionel Messi's last-minute free-kick helps PSG beat Lille 4-3, coach Galtier rues schedule for Neymar's injury Pique also claimed that he didn’t wish Messi congratulations after he won the World Cup last year, saying that he wanted some time off from everything, and that he didn’t even watch the final match completely. “No, honestly, no. My last months were very hard and I needed to disconnect. I haven’t seen any sport, and I did not even see any World Cup games. This will seem crazy to you but I didn’t watch any games, just the final and not the whole game,” Spain’s veteran defender told Tiktok personality John Nellis earlier. Meanwhile, other than Pique, Lionel Messi and his father wanted goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, mid-fielder Riqui Puig, forward Antoine Griezmann, young winger Ansu Fati and head coach Ronald Koeman to be removed if the club intended to renew Messi’s contract then. Lately, Messi broke the internet with a tremendous free-kick strike during the dying minutes in the league game against Lille – helping his team win the crucial match 4-3. You can watch the video here - That Moment and the way he celebrated that goal says it all that how much he passionate about PSG 🥺❤️💙 Lionel Messi 👏❤️🐐 pic.twitter.com/piABT0hklg — EhsaN (@EhsaN_PSG) February 20, 2023 ×

Lionel Messi and his father wanted THESE six players to be expelled from Barcelona: Reports

Lionel Messi returned to doing what he does best during the Ligue 1 fixture between Paris Saint Germain and Lille on Sunday. Messi slammed a superb free-kick in injury time to hand his team a close 4-3 win at home. However, not only Messi’s free-kick made headlines, his team forward Neymar’s ‘horrific’ looking ankle injury in the second half had everyone talking too. Following the match, PSG in a statement revealed that Neymar suffered a sprained ankle and a new ligament assessment will be carried out in the next 48 hours. 
 
"Neymar suffered a sprained ankle during the game against Lille and underwent an MRI scan today. It did not reveal any fracture," PSG said in a statement. "A new ligament assessment will be carried out in 48 hours."

Meanwhile, Neymar and injuries go hand in hand. During the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year, Neymar suffered a sprained ankle during Brazil’s first group game and missed the complete group stage before returning during the knockouts. Even in the past, the star Brazilian suffered metatarsal fractures before PSG's last-16 tie against Real Madrid in 2019 and against Manchester United the following year.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pl-spurs-calls-on-social-media-giants-to-punish-those-who-racially-abused-son-heung-min-563829">PL: Spurs calls on social media giants to punish those who racially abused Son Heung-min</a>

<meta name="uuid" content="uuidlKOPiFfSop9H" /><meta charset="utf-8" />

This time, the 31-year-old, who scored PSG’s second goal during their coming-from-behind win on Sunday, was stretched off the pitch colliding with Lille's Benjamin Andre.

Speaking on the same, PSG’s head coach Christophe Galtier didn’t blame bad luck for Neymar’s injury but instead put his fingers on PSG’s scheduling for the same. As leaders PSG next face Marseille in Ligue 1, they have Bayern Munich waiting for them in the Champions League clash right after against whom they aim to overcome the 0-1 deficit.&nbsp;

During an interaction with the media after the match, coach Galtier said, "This is not bad luck. There are always reasons for injuries - the schedule, the sequence of games. It is never random. He is being examined to know the severity of his sprain.

"Of course, it complicates things and that's the way it is. We have to keep our heads down. We're going to do it again, but with a victory. That is more pleasant," he told reporters as quoted by Reuters.

Messi's magic puts PSG ahead

Lionel Messi made his presence felt during Sunday’s match but kept his best for the last. As the home team was trailing 2-3 at one stage during the second half, returning Kylian Mbappe scored his brace in the 87th minute, equalizing 3-3. Come the injury time, recently-crowned World Cup winner Messi hit an almost perfect free-kick to hand his team the much-needed win in the 95th minute that took them five points clear of second-placed Marseille.

.Here you can watch Messi's&nbsp;free-kick -

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That Moment and the way he celebrated that goal says it all that how much he passionate about PSG 🥺❤️💙 
 
Lionel Messi 👏❤️🐐 <a href="https://t.co/piABT0hklg">pic.twitter.com/piABT0hklg</a>
— EhsaN (@EhsaN_PSG) <a href="https://twitter.com/EhsaN_PSG/status/1627540768113192960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Lionel Messi returned to doing what he does best during the Ligue 1 fixture between Paris Saint Germain and Lille on Sunday. Messi slammed a superb free-kick in injury time to hand his team a close 4-3 win at home.

Lionel Messi returned to doing what he does best during the Ligue 1 fixture between Paris Saint Germain and Lille on Sunday. Messi slammed a superb free-kick in injury time to hand his team a close 4-3 win at home. However, not only Messi’s free-kick made headlines, his team forward Neymar’s ‘horrific’ looking ankle injury in the second half had everyone talking too. Following the match, PSG in a statement revealed that Neymar suffered a sprained ankle and a new ligament assessment will be carried out in the next 48 hours. "Neymar suffered a sprained ankle during the game against Lille and underwent an MRI scan today. It did not reveal any fracture," PSG said in a statement. "A new ligament assessment will be carried out in 48 hours." Meanwhile, Neymar and injuries go hand in hand. During the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year, Neymar suffered a sprained ankle during Brazil’s first group game and missed the complete group stage before returning during the knockouts. Even in the past, the star Brazilian suffered metatarsal fractures before PSG's last-16 tie against Real Madrid in 2019 and against Manchester United the following year. ALSO READ: PL: Spurs calls on social media giants to punish those who racially abused Son Heung-min This time, the 31-year-old, who scored PSG’s second goal during their coming-from-behind win on Sunday, was stretched off the pitch colliding with Lille's Benjamin Andre. Speaking on the same, PSG’s head coach Christophe Galtier didn’t blame bad luck for Neymar’s injury but instead put his fingers on PSG’s scheduling for the same. As leaders PSG next face Marseille in Ligue 1, they have Bayern Munich waiting for them in the Champions League clash right after against whom they aim to overcome the 0-1 deficit. During an interaction with the media after the match, coach Galtier said, "This is not bad luck. There are always reasons for injuries - the schedule, the sequence of games. It is never random. He is being examined to know the severity of his sprain. "Of course, it complicates things and that's the way it is. We have to keep our heads down. We're going to do it again, but with a victory. That is more pleasant," he told reporters as quoted by Reuters. Messi's magic puts PSG ahead Lionel Messi made his presence felt during Sunday’s match but kept his best for the last. As the home team was trailing 2-3 at one stage during the second half, returning Kylian Mbappe scored his brace in the 87th minute, equalizing 3-3. Come the injury time, recently-crowned World Cup winner Messi hit an almost perfect free-kick to hand his team the much-needed win in the 95th minute that took them five points clear of second-placed Marseille. .Here you can watch Messi's free-kick - That Moment and the way he celebrated that goal says it all that how much he passionate about PSG 🥺❤️💙 Lionel Messi 👏❤️🐐 pic.twitter.com/piABT0hklg — EhsaN (@EhsaN_PSG) February 20, 2023 ×

Lionel Messi's last-minute free-kick helps PSG beat Lille 4-3, coach Galtier rues schedule for Neymar's injury

Lionel Messi's father and agent Jorge Messi has indicated that his son may not be returning to Barcelona in the immediate future. "I don't think Leo will play for Barca again," Jorge Messi told reporters before adding, "The conditions are not met.

Lionel Messi's father and agent Jorge Messi has indicated that his son may not be returning to Barcelona in the immediate future. "I don't think Leo will play for Barca again," Jorge Messi told reporters before adding, "The conditions are not met." With questions swirling around whether Messi will sign a contract extension with PSG or not, a faction of supporters want Messi to return to the Catalonia club. However, Jorge added that no conversation had taken place between Messi and Barcelona president Joan Laporta. "We have not spoken with Laporta and there is no offer." When pressed if he would like to see his son in the iconic Barcelona jersey yet again, Jorge tempered the expectations by saying, "Life takes many turns." Barcelona became known thanks to Messi: Matias Messi Earlier, Messi's brother Matias Messi in a lengthy tirade blamed Laporta for the former's unceremonious exit from the club. "We will not go back to Barcelona. And if we do, we will do a good cleaning. Among them, get rid of Joan Laporta, ungrateful with everything that Messi gave to Barcelona," said Matias. “I don’t know about you, but Barcelona became known thanks to Messi. Nobody knew about them before. Whoever’s had the chance to go to Barcelona and see the museum, you can see that the museum is Messi.” Read more: Messi's brother issues an apology after tirade against Barcelona and Joan Laporta The relationship between Messi and Barcelona appears to have taken a downward turn in recent times. Last month, Barcelona's former head of legal services Roman Gomez Ponti in a leaked WhatsApp chat could be seen referring to Messi as a 'sewer rat' and 'hormonal dwarf'. "Barto, really, you can't be such a good person with this sewer rat. The club has given him everything and he has dedicated himself to marking a dictatorship of signings, transfers, renewals, sponsors just for him, etc." Read more: 'Sewer Rat', 'hormonal dwarf': Derogatory comments made by ex-Barca official on Lionel Messi in leaked chat According to reports, Messi is unwilling to sign a contract extension with PSG and is eyeing a Major League Soccer (MLS) move to Inter Miami. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Lionel Messi's father gives an update on his son's possible Barcelona return

UEFA Champions League 2023 live streaming: The UEFA champions league is back after a long FIFA World Cup break that lasted from November last year to February 14.

UEFA Champions League 2023 live streaming: The UEFA champions league is back after a long FIFA World Cup break that lasted from November last year to February 14. The round of 16 stage will be played in two legs, with the first leg starting from February 14 and ending on February 22 and the second leg running from March 7 to March 15. The round of 16 stage kick-starts on Tuesday, February 14 with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) all set to lock horns with Bayern Munich and AC Milan squaring off with Tottenham Hotspur. The games look promising to provide you with a thrilling experience as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and the rest of the Paris Saint-Germain squad will be seen in live action following a long hiatus. However, American soccer fans are likely aware of the complications involved in finding a platform to watch Champions League matches live. This year, we've included a comprehensive guide on how to watch the Champions League matches online, including a few choices that enable you stream Champions League matches for free. How to watch UEFA champions league matches live? PSG vs Bayern Munich live streaming: It must be noted that all UEFA champions league matches won’t be shown on TV. You can watch some matches on CBS (for English commentary) or TUDN and UniMás (for Spanish commentary) if you have a cable or satellite package. To access the live streaming of all UEFA champions league matches, you can use the live stream service Paramount+. The streaming service Paramount+ from CBS is the greatest spot to watch the Champions League online this season and the only option to view every single game. For access to live Champions League games, you must purchase the streamer's Premium package. Using a live TV streaming service like fuboTV is another way to watch Champions League matches online. Even though you won't be able to watch every game, your fuboTV membership will allow you to live stream any matches that are broadcast on CBS, TUDN, and UniMás. Another reliable option for watching Champions League live streams online is DirecTV Stream, which has more than 100 channels and includes CBS, TUDN, and UniMás. You won't be able to watch every match online—(only Paramount+ provides that offer)—but you can still view a sizable chunk of the tournament's events. UEFA champions league full schedule and timings (ET) Tuesday, Feb. 14 Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bayern Munich at 3:00 PM ET AC Milan vs. Tottenham Hotspur at 3:00 PM ET Wednesday, Feb. 15 Borussia Dortmund vs. Chelsea at 3:00 PM ET Club Brugge vs. Benfica at 3:00 PM ET Tuesday, Feb. 21 Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Napoli at 3:00 PM ET Wednesday, February 22 RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City at 3:00 PM ET Inter Milan vs. FC Porto at 3:00 PM ET When will UEFA Champions League matches begin? UEFA Champions League round of 16 matches start Tuesday, February 14. What time will UEFA Champions League matches be played? UEFA Champions League matches will be played at 3:00 PM ET. Where will UEFA Champions League matches be live streamed? UEFA Champions League matches will be live streamed on Paramount+. When will PSG vs Bayern Munich match be played? PSG vs Bayern Munich round of 16 match will be played on Tuesday, February 14 at 3:00 PM ET.

UEFA Champions League 2023 live streaming: how to watch champions league livestream in US, date, time, venue

In what comes as a massive boost for PSG ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match&nbsp;against the former winners Bayern Munich, their star striker Kylian Mbappe has joined the squad; however, his participation remains in doubt as he’s still recovering from the hamstring injury he sustained two weeks back on February 1st. Not only Mbappe, but the recently-crowned World Cup-winner Lionel Messi and Italian midfielder Marco Verratti have also returned from injury. The match that is slated to take place at the Parc des Princes on February 15th could at least see a return of any of these players.

Mbappe, who was ruled out for three weeks following the injury, was seen practising with the team in the training sessions ahead of the much-anticipated match. PSG manager Christophe Galtier, however, said he would take zero risks when it comes to playing Mbappe against Bayern Munich. Speaking during the pre-match presser, Galtier said the decision on playing the French striker will be made last minute after discussing with the medical staff.

He also added saying the XI that will be playing in the Champions League tonight will be a lot different from the one that played against Monaco, where PSG suffered a shocking 1-3 defeat.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-2022-23-where-how-to-watch-psg-vs-bayern-livestream-in-india-check-full-schedule-561884">UEFA Champions League 2022-23: Where &amp; how to watch PSG vs Bayern livestream in India- Check full schedule</a>

"What I can tell you is that the team who will play tomorrow will look nothing like that who played against Monaco," Galtier told a news conference.

"Kylian did the whole session today. I didn't think he would be on the pitch yesterday. We made the decision that he would train with everyone today. We're not sure yet whether he will be on the match sheet, we will decide tomorrow after discussing with him and the medical staff. If he is on the match sheet, he will play," the manager said.

Struggling with the form lately, PSG will look for a much-needed turnaround against heavyweights Bayern – whom Galtier doesn’t see as favourites.

"I know that my team will rise to the occasion," said Galtier. "I don't think Bayern are the favourites. It's 50-50. It's a Champions League game. No one will be qualified after tomorrow's game. Bayern have been better lately and for some reasons it's not the case for us but I have a bigger squad at my disposal for tomorrow."

In what comes as a massive boost for PSG ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match against the former winners Bayern Munich, their star striker Kylian Mbappe has joined the squad; however, his participation remains in doubt as he’s still recovering from the hamstring injury he sustained two weeks back on February 1st.

In what comes as a massive boost for PSG ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match against the former winners Bayern Munich, their star striker Kylian Mbappe has joined the squad; however, his participation remains in doubt as he’s still recovering from the hamstring injury he sustained two weeks back on February 1st. Not only Mbappe, but the recently-crowned World Cup-winner Lionel Messi and Italian midfielder Marco Verratti have also returned from injury. The match that is slated to take place at the Parc des Princes on February 15th could at least see a return of any of these players. Mbappe, who was ruled out for three weeks following the injury, was seen practising with the team in the training sessions ahead of the much-anticipated match. PSG manager Christophe Galtier, however, said he would take zero risks when it comes to playing Mbappe against Bayern Munich. Speaking during the pre-match presser, Galtier said the decision on playing the French striker will be made last minute after discussing with the medical staff. He also added saying the XI that will be playing in the Champions League tonight will be a lot different from the one that played against Monaco, where PSG suffered a shocking 1-3 defeat. ALSO READ: UEFA Champions League 2022-23: Where & how to watch PSG vs Bayern livestream in India- Check full schedule "What I can tell you is that the team who will play tomorrow will look nothing like that who played against Monaco," Galtier told a news conference. "Kylian did the whole session today. I didn't think he would be on the pitch yesterday. We made the decision that he would train with everyone today. We're not sure yet whether he will be on the match sheet, we will decide tomorrow after discussing with him and the medical staff. If he is on the match sheet, he will play," the manager said. Struggling with the form lately, PSG will look for a much-needed turnaround against heavyweights Bayern – whom Galtier doesn’t see as favourites. "I know that my team will rise to the occasion," said Galtier. "I don't think Bayern are the favourites. It's 50-50. It's a Champions League game. No one will be qualified after tomorrow's game. Bayern have been better lately and for some reasons it's not the case for us but I have a bigger squad at my disposal for tomorrow."

Champions League: Star striker Kylian Mbappe joins PSG squad ahead of Bayern clash, remains doubtful to start

It gets bad to worse for Paris Saint-Germain. Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is in doubt for his club's UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie against Bayern Munich next week.

It gets bad to worse for Paris Saint-Germain. Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is in doubt for his club's UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie against Bayern Munich next week. Messi picked up a hamstring injury during PSG's 2-1 defeat against Marseille in the Coupe de France trophy. He felt a niggle in his hamstring after playing the full 90 minutes. The Parisian side will be hoping that Messi recovers in time, having already lost their main man Kylian Mbappe for the knockout game. He has already been ruled out of PSG's weekend trip to Monaco in Ligue 1. Messi had a scintillating 2022 where he ended the year by winning the FIFA World Cup - the only trophy missing from his prized cabinet. As for Paris, the Argentine has scored 15 goals in 25 games in all competitions. Earlier this month, it was French forward Mbappe that suffered a thigh injury during his side's 3-1 victory against Montpellier. Mbappe missed two penalties in the game and later hobbled off with the injury. Coach Christophe Galtier initially suggested that it was knock to the back that sidelined Mbappe before the scans revealed the real extent of the injury. PSG are wading in choppy waters at the moment. While their two superstars are out, the bench of Marco Verratti, Sergio Ramos and Neymar has only returned to the fold and is yet to hit their straps fully. Read more: PSG star Kylian Mbappe ruled out of UCL tie against Bayern Munich This is not the first instance that PSG has been plagued by a series of injuries prior to a high-profile UCL contest. In 2018, a fractured metatarsal prevented their Brazilian forward Neymar from participating in the last-16 defeat to Madrid. A year later, another injury ruled him out of their loss to Manchester United at the same stage. Read more: Will Lionel Messi play in 2026 World Cup? The Argentine gives a hint With Bayern playing an exquisite brand of football under Julian Nagelsmann, PSG's bench strength will have to come through to stand any chance in the all-important first tie. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

PSG star Lionel Messi in doubt for UCL tie against Bayern Munich

Sergio Ramos hasn't had the best of on-field equation with Lionel Messi in the past, with the two being involved in some fiesty exchanges. However, the situation isn't the same anymore with the duo having buried their past differences while sharing the dressing room in Paris Saint Germain (PSG). Thus, Ramos recently lauded the Argentine and termed him as the 'best player football has ever produced'.

Speaking to PSG TV, as quoted by SportsBible, the Spanish defender Ramos stated that after 'suffering' for many years while squaring off against Messi, he is finally getting the chance to enjoy him at the French club. "There was suffering for several years playing against Messi," the 36-year-old told PSG TV, " I am now enjoying him. He is the best player football has ever produced."

Ramos, thus, snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo -- his former Real Madrid teammate -- to call Messi as the greatest footballer ever. The two had joined forces against Ronaldo during PSG's recent friendly match versus&nbsp;Riyadh XI.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ill-say-nothing-without-my-lawyer-jurgen-klopp-on-chelseas-insane-winter-spending-558651">'I'll say nothing without my lawyer': Jürgen Klopp on Chelsea's INSANE winter spending</a>

Commenting on his relationship with Messi and how it has progressed over the years, Ramos had stated last November, as quoted by Marca, "My relationship with Messi&nbsp;is excellent. There is great respect between the players and a healthy state of mind."

"Of course it's better to have him [Messi] as a teammate. Whenever you are given the choice of having Messi&nbsp;with or against you, the answer is quick and sincere,"&nbsp;Ramos added.

At present, Messi and Ramos could be lining up&nbsp;together for PSG's Saturday clash, on February 04, versus&nbsp;Toulouse in Ligue 1. The Parisian club is at the&nbsp;top of the table, having a five-point lead&nbsp;ahead of Marseille.

Sergio Ramos hasn't had the best of on-field equation with Lionel Messi in the past, with the two being involved in some fiesty exchanges. However, the situation isn't the same anymore with the duo having buried their past differences while sharing the dressing room in Paris Saint Germain (PSG).

Sergio Ramos hasn't had the best of on-field equation with Lionel Messi in the past, with the two being involved in some fiesty exchanges. However, the situation isn't the same anymore with the duo having buried their past differences while sharing the dressing room in Paris Saint Germain (PSG). Thus, Ramos recently lauded the Argentine and termed him as the 'best player football has ever produced'. Speaking to PSG TV, as quoted by SportsBible, the Spanish defender Ramos stated that after 'suffering' for many years while squaring off against Messi, he is finally getting the chance to enjoy him at the French club. "There was suffering for several years playing against Messi," the 36-year-old told PSG TV, " I am now enjoying him. He is the best player football has ever produced." Ramos, thus, snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo -- his former Real Madrid teammate -- to call Messi as the greatest footballer ever. The two had joined forces against Ronaldo during PSG's recent friendly match versus Riyadh XI. Also read: 'I'll say nothing without my lawyer': Jürgen Klopp on Chelsea's INSANE winter spending Commenting on his relationship with Messi and how it has progressed over the years, Ramos had stated last November, as quoted by Marca, "My relationship with Messi is excellent. There is great respect between the players and a healthy state of mind." "Of course it's better to have him [Messi] as a teammate. Whenever you are given the choice of having Messi with or against you, the answer is quick and sincere," Ramos added. At present, Messi and Ramos could be lining up together for PSG's Saturday clash, on February 04, versus Toulouse in Ligue 1. The Parisian club is at the top of the table, having a five-point lead ahead of Marseille.

Not former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo! Sergio Ramos feels Lionel Messi is the best footballer ever

After the penny has dropped, following Argentina's fairytale World Cup victory in Qatar, superstar Lionel Messi has weighed in on his future and if he can play in the 2026 World Cup.

After the penny has dropped, following Argentina's fairytale World Cup victory in Qatar, superstar Lionel Messi has weighed in on his future and if he can play in the 2026 World Cup. In an interview with Diario Ole, an Argentine newspaper, the 35-year-old was open to playing another tournament, subject to a few caveats. “Because of age it’ll be difficult to make 2026. I love playing football and while I feel like I’m in good shape and enjoying this, I’m going to keep at it," said Messi. "It seems like a long time until the next World Cup, but it depends on how my career is going.” Read more: FIFA World Cup 2022: Mesmerising Messi’s Argentina fulfill the dream by beating France on penalties in final After Messi won the World Cup in December last year, many believed that he would hang up his boots and announce retirement. However, Messi surprised everyone and said retirement was nowhere on the cards right now. “No, I’m not going to retire from the national team. I want to keep playing as World Cup champions with Argentina shirt," said Messi. His sentiments were echoed by national team coach Lionel Scaloni who said the little magician can keep playing. “If he wants to keep playing, he will be with us. He is more than entitled to decide whether he wants to keep playing for Argentina or not or what he wants to do with his career," said Scaloni. “He is such a huge player for us. It is such a pleasure for us to coach him and his teammates. Everything he transmits to his teammates is unparalleled - something I’ve never seen before.” Read more: FIFA World Cup 2022: 'I’m not...': Lionel Messi drops a BOMB on his future after lifting the mega title The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be an expanded World Cup with 48 nations challenging for the shiny, golden trophy. If Messi makes it to North America, he will be attempting to break the record for most goals scored in World Cups, currently held by German Miroslav Klose (16). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Will Lionel Messi play in 2026 World Cup? The Argentine gives a hint

Paris Saint-Germain extended their lead at the top of Ligue 1 with a 3-1 win at Montpellier on Wednesday but their evening was overshadowed by an injury to Kylian Mbappe, who had earlier missed a penalty. The France superstar had an eighth-minute spot-kick saved by Montpellier's Benjamin Lecomte and then remarkably saw his second attempt turned onto the post by the goalkeeper after the referee ordered a retake.

Mbappe then limped off with what looked like a hamstring injury midway through the first half, raising the alarm for&nbsp;PSG&nbsp;with the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich now less than two weeks away. Speaking after the game, coach Christophe Galtier suggested the injury was down to a knock rather than a muscle problem.

"He took a knock to the back of the knee or the back of the thigh, so we'll see," said Galtier. "I'm not too worried," he added. "It's a bruise or a contusion, we don't know yet.&nbsp; "With the run of matches we don't want to take risks with a very busy fixture list, but it doesn't appear that serious."

PSG&nbsp;host Bayern in Paris on February 14, with the second leg in Germany on March 8. They are desperate to avoid a repeat of last season when they were knocked out at the same stage of the Champions League by Real Madrid. After winning just one of their last four league games, Wednesday's awkward trip for&nbsp;PSG&nbsp;saw them also lose Sergio Ramos to injury and have two goals disallowed before Fabian Ruiz put them ahead 10 minutes into the second half.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentina-great-lionel-messi-expresses-regret-over-his-actions-in-qatar-world-cup-qfs-vs-netherlands-558011">Argentina great Lionel Messi expresses regret over his actions in Qatar World Cup QFs vs Netherlands</a>

<h2>- Messi on target -</h2>

Ruiz then set up Lionel Messi to make it 2-0 with a deft finish in the 72nd minute, the Argentine scoring his 14th club goal of the season. Sixteen-year-old midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery made sure of the win in stoppage time after Arnaud Nordin -- a friend of Mbappe's from their time together at France's national training academy -- had pulled one back.

PSG, who were without the rested Neymar, extended their lead at the top of the table from three to five points after Lens lost 1-0 at home to Nice. "It was a good performance in general," Galtier said. "There was an incredible scenario in the first half with the retaken penalty, we hit the post, had goals disallowed and two injuries because Sergio Ramos was involved in a collision and on falling he hurt his adductor, but apparently it is nothing serious."

The win for&nbsp;PSG&nbsp;came after a frustrating end to the January transfer window on Tuesday as they failed to process the paperwork to complete the loan signing of Hakim Ziyech from Chelsea after the Moroccan winger had passed a medical.&nbsp;

Gaetan Laborde scored the only goal of the game for Nice as Lens dropped points at home for the first time this season after winning all 10 previous matches there. Marseille climbed above Lens into second place thanks to a 2-0 victory at Nantes earlier, secured by an own goal from Joao Victor and then a late strike by Azzedine Ounahi, the Moroccan World Cup star making his debut after signing in the January window.

Monaco in fourth beat Auxerre 3-2, while fifth-placed Rennes eased to a 3-0 win against struggling Strasbourg. On-loan Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun followed up his last-gasp equaliser against&nbsp;PSG&nbsp;at the weekend by netting a hat-trick as Reims came from two goals down to beat Lorient 4-2 and extend their unbeaten run to 15 games. Bottom side Angers suffered a new French top-flight record 13th consecutive defeat as they conceded in stoppage time to lose 2-1 at home to Ajaccio. That result leaves them 11 points from safety.

Paris Saint-Germain extended their lead at the top of Ligue 1 with a 3-1 win at Montpellier on Wednesday but their evening was overshadowed by an injury to Kylian Mbappe, who had earlier missed a penalty.

Paris Saint-Germain extended their lead at the top of Ligue 1 with a 3-1 win at Montpellier on Wednesday but their evening was overshadowed by an injury to Kylian Mbappe, who had earlier missed a penalty. The France superstar had an eighth-minute spot-kick saved by Montpellier's Benjamin Lecomte and then remarkably saw his second attempt turned onto the post by the goalkeeper after the referee ordered a retake. Mbappe then limped off with what looked like a hamstring injury midway through the first half, raising the alarm for PSG with the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich now less than two weeks away. Speaking after the game, coach Christophe Galtier suggested the injury was down to a knock rather than a muscle problem. "He took a knock to the back of the knee or the back of the thigh, so we'll see," said Galtier. "I'm not too worried," he added. "It's a bruise or a contusion, we don't know yet. "With the run of matches we don't want to take risks with a very busy fixture list, but it doesn't appear that serious." PSG host Bayern in Paris on February 14, with the second leg in Germany on March 8. They are desperate to avoid a repeat of last season when they were knocked out at the same stage of the Champions League by Real Madrid. After winning just one of their last four league games, Wednesday's awkward trip for PSG saw them also lose Sergio Ramos to injury and have two goals disallowed before Fabian Ruiz put them ahead 10 minutes into the second half. Also read: Argentina great Lionel Messi expresses regret over his actions in Qatar World Cup QFs vs Netherlands - Messi on target - Ruiz then set up Lionel Messi to make it 2-0 with a deft finish in the 72nd minute, the Argentine scoring his 14th club goal of the season. Sixteen-year-old midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery made sure of the win in stoppage time after Arnaud Nordin -- a friend of Mbappe's from their time together at France's national training academy -- had pulled one back. PSG, who were without the rested Neymar, extended their lead at the top of the table from three to five points after Lens lost 1-0 at home to Nice. "It was a good performance in general," Galtier said. "There was an incredible scenario in the first half with the retaken penalty, we hit the post, had goals disallowed and two injuries because Sergio Ramos was involved in a collision and on falling he hurt his adductor, but apparently it is nothing serious." The win for PSG came after a frustrating end to the January transfer window on Tuesday as they failed to process the paperwork to complete the loan signing of Hakim Ziyech from Chelsea after the Moroccan winger had passed a medical. Gaetan Laborde scored the only goal of the game for Nice as Lens dropped points at home for the first time this season after winning all 10 previous matches there. Marseille climbed above Lens into second place thanks to a 2-0 victory at Nantes earlier, secured by an own goal from Joao Victor and then a late strike by Azzedine Ounahi, the Moroccan World Cup star making his debut after signing in the January window. Monaco in fourth beat Auxerre 3-2, while fifth-placed Rennes eased to a 3-0 win against struggling Strasbourg. On-loan Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun followed up his last-gasp equaliser against PSG at the weekend by netting a hat-trick as Reims came from two goals down to beat Lorient 4-2 and extend their unbeaten run to 15 games. Bottom side Angers suffered a new French top-flight record 13th consecutive defeat as they conceded in stoppage time to lose 2-1 at home to Ajaccio. That result leaves them 11 points from safety.

Lionel Messi scores, Kylian Mbappe misses penalty, comes off injured in PSG win

Entain, a British betting company has revealed that it made significant gains in revenue due to the Qatar World Cup as customers gambled big time. The company accounted that its pre-tax profits stood between $1.

Entain, a British betting company has revealed that it made significant gains in revenue due to the Qatar World Cup as customers gambled big time. The company accounted that its pre-tax profits stood between $1.21 billion (£985m) and $1.23 billion (£995m) for the full year. The figure beat Entain's previous estimate of landing anywhere between $1.1 billion (£925m) and $1.20 billion (£975m). Despite the initial scepticism, the World Cup in Qatar happened to be one of the most entertaining and thrilling World Cups of all time. Thus, it shouldn't come as a surprise that betting companies made a fortune during the tournament and raked in record profits. Entain, which also owns Coral and gaming websites said its net gaming revenue rose 12 per cent in the last three months of 2022 when the World Cup took place as the consumer numbers touched record levels. After the company released its financials, the stock market responded kindly as Entain's shares shot up more than two per cent on the FTSE 100 during Wednesday's trading session. Read more: Lionel Messi reveals his Instagram account was blocked after World Cup victory Alongside Argentina, it was Brazil, England, France and Germany that received the major share of money from the punters. Argentina winning the World Cup was not only a monumental feat for football fans who wanted Lionel Messi - arguably the greatest footballer in history to win the trophy but also for the betting companies, who had dubbed La Albiceleste as the hot favourites. France and Argentina squared up in the final with both Messi and Kylian Mbappe stepping up for their respective teams. In the end, it was Argentina that prevailed on the penalties to emerge victorious. While FIFA is yet to release the complete viewership numbers, it is expected that a record number of people watched the quadrennial event which translated into extra millions of dollars for the betting companies. Read more: FIFA World Cup 2022: Mesmerising Messi’s Argentina fulfill the dream by beating France on penalties in final (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Not Messi but betting companies emerge as the biggest winners from Qatar World Cup

World Cup champion Lionel Messi expressed remorse over his actions during the World Cup quarterfinals, including wild celebrations and gestures towards Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal. Messi and his teammates received criticism for their behaviour following their 2-2 draw on December 9 and subsequent win on penalties. The Paris Saint-Germain player ran in front of Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal as he cupped his hands over his ears in celebration of his 73rd-minute penalty goal. Messi had mentioned that the Netherlands manager used derogatory remarks about Argentina during the pre-match press conference.

"I knew what Van Gaal had said but it [the goal celebration] happened on the spur of the moment. I didn`t like what I did, I didn`t like what happened after. These are moments of nervousness and everything happens very quickly," Messi said in an interview in Paris with Andy Kusnetzoff`s "Perros de la Calle" as quoted by ESPN. At full-time, the Argentina captain was spotted arguing with Van Gaal and Edgar Davids, his assistant. During a post-game interview, Messi allegedly yelled at Netherlands goal scorer Wout Weghorst.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/truly-grateful-on-this-day-nfl-quarterback-tom-brady-says-he-is-retiring-for-good-557984">'Truly grateful on this day': NFL quarterback Tom Brady says he is retiring 'for good'</a>

'We won the Copa America&nbsp;and 2022 World Cup, there's nothing left'

Meanwhile, Messi stated he wouldn't have it any other way despite the long wait to win the World Cup. In Messi's sixth World Cup, Argentina defeated France on penalties in Qatar to win their first World Cup in 36 years. "I think if I had to choose the moment, it would have been this one. It`s at the end of my career, closing a circle. I achieved everything with the national team I always dreamed of. I got everything in my career, individually. It was closing my career in a unique way. I never imagined that all this was going to happen to me when I started and getting to this moment was the best. I have no complaints and I can't ask for more. We won the Copa America [2021] and the World Cup, there`s nothing left," stated Messi. Messi stated that he wanted Diego Maradona to witness Argentina`s first World Cup victory since the Napoli icon assisted his country in winning the trophy in 1986.

Maradona, Messi`s World Cup 2010 coach, passed away in December 2020."I would have liked that Diego Maradona would have handed me the [World] Cup or at least to have seen all of this. To have seen Argentina as world champions, considering how much he desired it and how much he loved the national team. I think he from above, as well as many other people that love me, gave me strength," Messi said.

World Cup champion Lionel Messi expressed remorse over his actions during the World Cup quarterfinals, including wild celebrations and gestures towards Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal.

World Cup champion Lionel Messi expressed remorse over his actions during the World Cup quarterfinals, including wild celebrations and gestures towards Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal. Messi and his teammates received criticism for their behaviour following their 2-2 draw on December 9 and subsequent win on penalties. The Paris Saint-Germain player ran in front of Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal as he cupped his hands over his ears in celebration of his 73rd-minute penalty goal. Messi had mentioned that the Netherlands manager used derogatory remarks about Argentina during the pre-match press conference. "I knew what Van Gaal had said but it [the goal celebration] happened on the spur of the moment. I didn`t like what I did, I didn`t like what happened after. These are moments of nervousness and everything happens very quickly," Messi said in an interview in Paris with Andy Kusnetzoff`s "Perros de la Calle" as quoted by ESPN. At full-time, the Argentina captain was spotted arguing with Van Gaal and Edgar Davids, his assistant. During a post-game interview, Messi allegedly yelled at Netherlands goal scorer Wout Weghorst. Also read: 'Truly grateful on this day': NFL quarterback Tom Brady says he is retiring 'for good' 'We won the Copa America and 2022 World Cup, there's nothing left' Meanwhile, Messi stated he wouldn't have it any other way despite the long wait to win the World Cup. In Messi's sixth World Cup, Argentina defeated France on penalties in Qatar to win their first World Cup in 36 years. "I think if I had to choose the moment, it would have been this one. It`s at the end of my career, closing a circle. I achieved everything with the national team I always dreamed of. I got everything in my career, individually. It was closing my career in a unique way. I never imagined that all this was going to happen to me when I started and getting to this moment was the best. I have no complaints and I can't ask for more. We won the Copa America [2021] and the World Cup, there`s nothing left," stated Messi. Messi stated that he wanted Diego Maradona to witness Argentina`s first World Cup victory since the Napoli icon assisted his country in winning the trophy in 1986. Maradona, Messi`s World Cup 2010 coach, passed away in December 2020."I would have liked that Diego Maradona would have handed me the [World] Cup or at least to have seen all of this. To have seen Argentina as world champions, considering how much he desired it and how much he loved the national team. I think he from above, as well as many other people that love me, gave me strength," Messi said.

Argentina great Lionel Messi expresses regret over his actions in Qatar World Cup QFs vs Netherlands

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has said he would have liked it if legendary Diego Maradona was around to present him with the World Cup trophy in Qatar last month.

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has said he would have liked it if legendary Diego Maradona was around to present him with the World Cup trophy in Qatar last month. "I would have liked him, if he didn't hand me the World Cup trophy, to at least see all this," said Messi in a Spanish radio show. The Argentine added that it might have been Maradona from the heavens that pushed him and the entire squad to lift the trophy. "I think that both he and many people who love me were pushing from above, not only for this but for everything in general." Read more: FIFA World Cup 2022: Mesmerising Messi’s Argentina fulfill the dream by beating France on penalties in final After winning the World Cup, many in footballing circles have started to mention Messi and Maradona in the same breath. Both managed to bring the shiny, golden World Cup trophy back to the football-crazy South American country. Maradona brought it back in 1986 winning against West Germany, while Messi broke a 35-year drought last year, beating the defending champions France, to give the Argentines a moment to cherish for a lifetime. Both players led their teams to the title. While Maradona was known for his maverick style of play that left the opposition bamboozled, Messi rallied the entire team around him to go the distance. The two Argentines had previously worked together at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, However, the team could not go past the quarter-final hurdle as Germany mauled them 0-4. After the tournament, Maradona stepped down while Messi had to wait more than a decade to achieve his long-standing dream. Read more: Lionel Messi reveals his Instagram account was blocked after World Cup victory Messi won the Golden Ball and Silver Boot award in the tournament as Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties in the final. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Would've liked Maradona to hand me the WC trophy': Messi on his unfulfilled dream

Lionel Messi has revealed that his Instagram account was 'blocked' after receiving 'a million messages', following Argentina's World Cup victory in December last year.

Lionel Messi has revealed that his Instagram account was 'blocked' after receiving 'a million messages', following Argentina's World Cup victory in December last year. "My Instagram was blocked for a few days because of the amount of messages I received after winning the World Cup," Messi told Urbana Play in an interview. The Argentine superstar also disclosed that he ran the Instagram account on his own, without the help of 'any company' or a third person to manage the posts. After La Albiceleste won the World Cup trophy, Messi broke the internet, specifically Instagram with his posts. Messi's first celebratory Instagram post after the World Cup triumph became the most-liked social media post of all time. The previous record was held by TikToker Bella Poarch who had posted a video of her lip-syncing to Millie B's ‘M to the B’ and amassed 60.3 million likes. However, as of the last update, Messi's post had beaten Poarch's record by garnering over 75 million likes and two million comments. "WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!!!! I dreamed it so many times, I wanted it so much that I still haven't fallen, I can't believe it," read the post. "Thank you very much to my family, to all who support me and also to all who believed in us. We demonstrate once again that Argentines when we fight together and united we are capable of achieving what we set out to do. The merit belongs to this group, which is above individualities, it is the strength of all fighting for the same dream that was also the dream of all Argentines... We did it!!! GO ARGENTINA!!!!! we are seeing each other very soon," it added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi) × Read more: Record-breaking: Messi's World Cup Instagram picture becomes the most-liked social media post ever Apart from the most-liked post, the Argentine maestro broke another record when he became the second person to reach the 400 million followers mark on the Meta-owned platform behind his rival Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi was instrumental in taking Argentina to the victory shores in Qatar. The WC win ended a 35-year-old trophy drought for the country which last witnessed the legendary Maradona lift it in 1986. Read more: UNBELIEVABLE! Lionel Messi becomes second person to reach 400 million followers on Instagram Messi won the Golden Ball and Silver Boot award in the tournament as Argentina beat defending champions France 4-2 on penalties in the final. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Lionel Messi reveals his Instagram account was blocked after World Cup victory

For the first time since winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Argentina’s Lionel Messi opened up about his infamous celebration during his team’s clash against the Netherlands and what transpired after that. Claiming to regret his actions that were aimed&nbsp;towards the Dutch coach, Louis Van Gaal – who before the start of the match made some disrespectful comments about Messi, the Argentine star said it came out in the moment as he didn’t like what Van Gaal had said. In the quarterfinal clash between these two teams, Argentina walked outs as winners after winning on the penalties 4-3 following a 2-2 end during the regular time.

The most-talked about match at the World Cup saw 17 yellow cards getting issued. So much so that it made headlines for all wrong reasons instead of a great and exciting finish to a crunch game. While speaking with radio Urbana Play of Buenos Aires, the PSG forward said, “I don’t like what I did; I don't like what happened afterward. These are moments of a lot of tension, a lot of nerves. It is very quick and people react the way they react. Nothing was planned, it just happened.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-front-three-dont-defend-opposition-player-taunts-messi-neymar-and-mbappe-after-1-1-draw-557331">'PSG front three don't defend': Opposition player taunts Messi, Neymar and Mbappe after 1-1 draw</a>

After what all happened during the match including ugly confrontations between players from both sides and among players and coaches as well, Messi was also seen having a verbal altercation with the Netherlands striker Wout Weghorst after the game. The new Manchester United recruit also expressed disappointment over Messi’s behaviour.

Replying to that, Messi said, “I reacted that way. There had been many things with this player, moments of tension like these . . . I was at the mixed zone, it had just happened. I don't like to leave that image, but these things happen.”

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner even said the match against the Netherlands was the worst they played in the tournament regardless of the result. “It was the worst match we played because of all the things involved in winning it or not."

After losing their first match against Saudi Arabia in a World Cup shocker, Messi’s Argentina defeated Poland and Mexico in the group stages to advance to the knockouts. Over there, they beat Australia and Netherlands and then knocked out last time finalists Croatia 3-0 in the semis. In the big final against the defending champions France, Argentina won the close contest on penalties 4-2. With this win, they clinched their third title, first since 1986.

For the first time since winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Argentina’s Lionel Messi opened up about his infamous celebration during his team’s clash against the Netherlands and what transpired after that.

For the first time since winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Argentina’s Lionel Messi opened up about his infamous celebration during his team’s clash against the Netherlands and what transpired after that. Claiming to regret his actions that were aimed towards the Dutch coach, Louis Van Gaal – who before the start of the match made some disrespectful comments about Messi, the Argentine star said it came out in the moment as he didn’t like what Van Gaal had said. In the quarterfinal clash between these two teams, Argentina walked outs as winners after winning on the penalties 4-3 following a 2-2 end during the regular time. The most-talked about match at the World Cup saw 17 yellow cards getting issued. So much so that it made headlines for all wrong reasons instead of a great and exciting finish to a crunch game. While speaking with radio Urbana Play of Buenos Aires, the PSG forward said, “I don’t like what I did; I don't like what happened afterward. These are moments of a lot of tension, a lot of nerves. It is very quick and people react the way they react. Nothing was planned, it just happened.” ALSO READ: 'PSG front three don't defend': Opposition player taunts Messi, Neymar and Mbappe after 1-1 draw After what all happened during the match including ugly confrontations between players from both sides and among players and coaches as well, Messi was also seen having a verbal altercation with the Netherlands striker Wout Weghorst after the game. The new Manchester United recruit also expressed disappointment over Messi’s behaviour. Replying to that, Messi said, “I reacted that way. There had been many things with this player, moments of tension like these . . . I was at the mixed zone, it had just happened. I don't like to leave that image, but these things happen.” The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner even said the match against the Netherlands was the worst they played in the tournament regardless of the result. “It was the worst match we played because of all the things involved in winning it or not." After losing their first match against Saudi Arabia in a World Cup shocker, Messi’s Argentina defeated Poland and Mexico in the group stages to advance to the knockouts. Over there, they beat Australia and Netherlands and then knocked out last time finalists Croatia 3-0 in the semis. In the big final against the defending champions France, Argentina won the close contest on penalties 4-2. With this win, they clinched their third title, first since 1986.

Lionel Messi regrets confronting Netherlands camp during FIFA World Cup 2022 quarters

After Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain were held to a 1-1 draw on Sunday by a resolute Reims side, centre-back Yunis Abdelhamid took the opportunity to take a shot at the front three of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. Abdelhamid said PSG's front three did not defend which made the work easy for the opponents.&nbsp;

"It was easy to work the ball out of the defence because the front three [Messi, Mbappe, Neymar] don’t defend," Abdelhamid told the reporters.&nbsp;

"We knew on our side that if we passed this first line, they no longer participate in the collective defensive effort. We worked on that. We wanted to exploit it and that’s what we managed to do. That’s why we created so many chances."

Reims came from behind to secure a draw as on-loan Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun ensured that PSG were frustrated on the night.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-death-of-possession-football-542811">WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: The death of possession football?</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-death-of-possession-football-542811/embed" width="560"></iframe>

Neymar had given Les Parisiens the advantage early in the second half but Reims continued to pile on the pressure and finally got their way in the final minute of the extra time.&nbsp;

To add insult to injury, PSG midfielder Marco Verrati was shown a red card. Notably, this was the second instance where Reims had secured a draw against defending champions in the league.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-bags-a-goal-in-psgs-win-against-angers-after-world-cup-heroics-551721">Read more:&nbsp;Messi bags a goal in PSG's win against Angers after World Cup heroics</a>

Though Abdelhamid's statement may incense the supporters of PSG forward men, the pundits have extensively talked about the inability of the front three to press aggressively as a unit.&nbsp;

It is a tactical deficiency that has been exploited by several big teams in the Champions League. Real Madrid came from behind against PSG last season and managed to turn the two-legged tie in the last half-an-hour of the match, solely due to this reason.&nbsp;

Many believe that PSG may not be able to win the knockouts if the front three continue to press the way they have been.

Since the beginning of the year, PSG have dropped points in three of their four games. The form is a cause of concern as the round of 16 tie against Bayern Munich is a little over two weeks away.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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After Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain were held to a 1-1 draw on Sunday by a resolute Reims side, centre-back Yunis Abdelhamid took the opportunity to take a shot at the front three of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

After Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain were held to a 1-1 draw on Sunday by a resolute Reims side, centre-back Yunis Abdelhamid took the opportunity to take a shot at the front three of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. Abdelhamid said PSG's front three did not defend which made the work easy for the opponents. "It was easy to work the ball out of the defence because the front three [Messi, Mbappe, Neymar] don’t defend," Abdelhamid told the reporters. "We knew on our side that if we passed this first line, they no longer participate in the collective defensive effort. We worked on that. We wanted to exploit it and that’s what we managed to do. That’s why we created so many chances." Reims came from behind to secure a draw as on-loan Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun ensured that PSG were frustrated on the night. WATCH | Gravitas: The death of possession football? Neymar had given Les Parisiens the advantage early in the second half but Reims continued to pile on the pressure and finally got their way in the final minute of the extra time. To add insult to injury, PSG midfielder Marco Verrati was shown a red card. Notably, this was the second instance where Reims had secured a draw against defending champions in the league. Read more: Messi bags a goal in PSG's win against Angers after World Cup heroics Though Abdelhamid's statement may incense the supporters of PSG forward men, the pundits have extensively talked about the inability of the front three to press aggressively as a unit. It is a tactical deficiency that has been exploited by several big teams in the Champions League. Real Madrid came from behind against PSG last season and managed to turn the two-legged tie in the last half-an-hour of the match, solely due to this reason. Many believe that PSG may not be able to win the knockouts if the front three continue to press the way they have been. Since the beginning of the year, PSG have dropped points in three of their four games. The form is a cause of concern as the round of 16 tie against Bayern Munich is a little over two weeks away. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'PSG front three don't defend': Opposition player taunts Messi, Neymar and Mbappe after 1-1 draw

A little more than a month ago, Lionel Messi immortalised himself in the history books by winning the FIFA World Cup in one of the most visceral ways possible. Now, a farmer in Messi's home country has paid a glowing tribute to him and in a rather unique manner - on a corn field.

A little more than a month ago, Lionel Messi immortalised himself in the history books by winning the FIFA World Cup in one of the most visceral ways possible. Now, a farmer in Messi's home country has paid a glowing tribute to him and in a rather unique manner - on a corn field. Maximiliano Spinazze, a corn farmer in Los Condores in central Cordoba province thought out-of-the-box to show his love for Messi. While most fans were getting tattoos and painting murals, Spinazze thought of designing his cornfield in the shape of Messi's face. However, to achieve the rather unique feat, Spinazze sought the help of Carlos Faricelli, a farming engineer. Faricelli designed an algorithm that calculated where the seeds needed to be planted so that when the corn grew, it resembled a bearded Messi when seen aerially. "I had the idea to make a code that goes in the seeders with Messi's face as a tribute," Faricelli was quoted as saying by Reuters. WATCH | WION Sports: World champions Argentina return home to a rapturous welcome × Faricelli added that by using geocoding tools, the machinery knows how many seeds per square meter have to be put in certain places to create a certain contrast. "So when this corn grows and an aerial shot is taken, where the plants are closer together and the ground is less visible, a more intense green contrasts with where there are fewer plants and then this kind of agriculture art is created." He also shared the algorithm with other farmers who wanted to pay their tributes in this unique style as well. Argentina won the World Cup last month after beating defending champions France 4-2 on penalties. Messi was the architect of the win and carried the La Albiceleste all throughout the tournament. It was the first World Cup win for Argentina after legendary Maradona won the trophy in 1986. Read more: FIFA World Cup 2022: Mesmerising Messi’s Argentina fulfill the dream by beating France on penalties in final (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Argentine farmer plants Messi's face in cornfield as tribute for the World Cup triumph

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has revealed that he is yet to watch the repeat telecast of the FIFA World Cup final where his team emerged victorious. In an interview with "El Partidazo", a Spanish radio channel, Scaloni added it was a 'pity' that the La Albiceleste could not finish the game in regulation time.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has revealed that he is yet to watch the repeat telecast of the FIFA World Cup final where his team emerged victorious. In an interview with "El Partidazo", a Spanish radio channel, Scaloni added it was a 'pity' that the La Albiceleste could not finish the game in regulation time. “I have not seen the final. I have it clear in my head, but I have not seen it again. Until today, I think it was a pity not to close the game in 90 minutes," said Scaloni. The former Argentina player added that he did not want to rewatch the sensational save made by Emiliano Martinez either. "I saw that, it's a flash, I saw it many times on TV. It is a heavy image. Maybe if I see it again, the ball will come in. It was a key play for us and it all ended there, which would have been very unfair." In the second half of extra time, it was Martinez's heroic save that denied French forward Kuolo Mani to seal the match. The save proved crucial as Argentina went on to win the match by a 4-2 aggregate on penalties with Martinez yet again coming up trumps. WATCH | Heroes welcome for Messi & Co. as they arrive in Buenos Aires after winning the FIFA World Cup × Scaloni and his tactical flexibility were one of the primary reasons why Argentina went all the way in the quadrennial tournament. Scalnoi brought his big match player Ángel Di María in place of Leandro Parades in the final as the only change. With Ousmane Dembele not tracking back and Aurelien Tchoumaeni expected to be loitering high up the pitch, Scaloni's plan was to overload the left side with Alexis Mac Allister and Di Maria teaming up. The ploy worked like a charm as Di Maria, along with Messi remained one of the most influential players on the field for the men in blue-and-white stripes. Prior to the final, Scaloni, unlike his rigid compatriots accessed that Enzo Fernandes was one of the players in form and did not shy away from giving him more responsibilities in the center of the pitch. Read more: FIFA World Cup 2022: Mesmerising Messi’s Argentina fulfill the dream by beating France on penalties in final Scaloni also persisted with Alvarez and the youngster managed to repay the faith by scoring repeatedly in the knockouts. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'I have not seen it...': Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni reflects on the World Cup final

Cristiano Ronaldo will be captaining the Al Nassr-Al Hilal combined XI that will take on Lionel Messi's Paris-Saint Germain in a friendly on Thursday, later this week.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be captaining the Al Nassr-Al Hilal combined XI that will take on Lionel Messi's Paris-Saint Germain in a friendly on Thursday, later this week. Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Entertainment Chairman Turki Al-Sheikh took to Twitter to share a video where he presented the captain's armband to Ronaldo ahead of the match, confirming the decision. الوعد ان شاءالله يوم ١٩ يناير … لقاء فوق الخيال … ومدير الفريق الكابتن خالد الشنيف ان شاءالله والتشكيلة غداً بيعلنها المدرب وخالد … اتمنى يومها ننسى الهلال والنصر ساعتين ونصير كلنا موسم الرياض… وبعد الساعتين نوقف الهدنة 😂🇸🇦❤️ pic.twitter.com/nttB07IgBb — TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) January 15, 2023 × Incidentally, it will be Ronaldo's debut match on Saudi Arabian soil, having signed for Al Nassr for a world record fee of $214 million last month. The Portuguese was forced to miss Al Nassr's Saudi Pro-league matches due to a two-match ban imposed by the English FA last year. The 37-year-old forward was storming down the tunnel of Goodison Park last season when he angrily smashed an Everton fan's phone. Following an investigation by the FA, Ronaldo was handed a $60,000 (£50,000) fine and a two-match ban. Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia confirmed last week that Ronaldo was gearing up for his debut in the friendly. "It (his debut) won't be with the Al Nassr jersey. It will be a mix between Al Hilal and Al Nassr. As the coach of Al Nassr, I cannot be happy with this match. For development, to see PSG, to see the great Parisian players, indeed it is a good thing. But we have a championship game three days later." Read more: Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr debut could be against Lionel Messi's PSG, says coach Rudi Garcia Ronaldo and Messi squaring up against each other is expected to be a marquee event, especially after the latter won the biggest prize in the sport, the World Cup trophy. Both Messi and Ronaldo have had storied club football careers. However, Messi winning the WC may have tipped the scales in his favour in the greatest of all-time debate. The friendly could also serve as a trailer for the future of the two superstars of the game. Rumors have been going around suggesting that Messi may join Al Hilal after his contract with PSG is up. Read more: Al Hilal, rival club of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, aims to sign Lionel Messi for $300 million - Reports (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Mouthwatering! Ronaldo to captain Al Nassr-Al Hilal combined XI against Messi's PSG in friendly

Nearly a month after the epic final of the World Cup in Qatar, football's top governing body,&nbsp;FIFA has opened a disciplinary proceeding against Argentina for 'offensive behaviour'.&nbsp;In a statement on Friday,&nbsp;FIFA&nbsp;said the Argentine squad had potentially breached the rules, particularly&nbsp;article 11 (Offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play) and article 12 (misconduct of players and officials) in the aftermath of the final.&nbsp;

"The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association due to potential breaches of articles 11, 12&nbsp;of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, as well as of article 44 of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022," read the official notification.&nbsp;

The Argentine side led by Lionel Messi came out on top after battling hard against 2018 champions France. The moment was visceral as well as emotional and the Argentine squad went berserk in celebrations. However, the merrymakings crossed the line, according to FIFA.

According to various media reports, the Argentine players ventured into the official interview area while celebrating. As a result, the partition walls were damaged while some did not bother speaking to international media, despite the commitments.&nbsp;

However, the focal point arguably was the celebration&nbsp;of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The Aston Villa keeper made lewd gestures with the Golden Glove award he received during the post-match ceremony.&nbsp;

When asked why he did such a celebration, Martinez said,&nbsp;"I did it because the French were booing me, pride doesn't go with me."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentinas-emiliano-martinez-explains-reason-behind-his-lewd-gesture-with-fifa-golden-glove-award-544811">Read more:&nbsp;Argentina's Emiliano Martinez explains reason behind his lewd gesture with FIFA Golden Glove award</a>

His celebration was not well received across the footballing community with opposition keeper Hugo Lloris as well as former players like Patrick Viera criticising the action.&nbsp;

“I don't think they really needed that. You sometimes can't control people's emotional decisions. But that was a stupid decision, I think, from Martinez to do that. I was really disappointed,” said Vierra.&nbsp;

Argentina's celebrations spilled out of control during the official parade as well.&nbsp;After millions of fans poured into the streets of Buenos Aires, the Argentine players were forced off the bus via a helicopter to a secure location.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-sports-world-champions-argentina-return-home-to-a-rapturous-welcome-544756">WATCH |&nbsp;WION Sports: World champions Argentina return home to a rapturous welcome</a>

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Apart from Argentina, FIFA has also opened disciplinary proceedings against Croatia, Serbia, Mexico and Ecuador.&nbsp;

The Serbian Football Association has been fined $54,000 and a partial stadium closure in its next FIFA match after Serbian supporters made uncouth chants in the game against arch-rivals Switzerland.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-qatar-2022-may-have-lost-many-battles-but-won-the-war-544566">Read more:&nbsp;FIFA World Cup: Qatar 2022 may have lost many battles but won the war</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

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Nearly a month after the epic final of the World Cup in Qatar, football's top governing body, FIFA has opened a disciplinary proceeding against Argentina for 'offensive behaviour'.

Nearly a month after the epic final of the World Cup in Qatar, football's top governing body, FIFA has opened a disciplinary proceeding against Argentina for 'offensive behaviour'. In a statement on Friday, FIFA said the Argentine squad had potentially breached the rules, particularly article 11 (Offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play) and article 12 (misconduct of players and officials) in the aftermath of the final. "The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association due to potential breaches of articles 11, 12 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, as well as of article 44 of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022," read the official notification. The Argentine side led by Lionel Messi came out on top after battling hard against 2018 champions France. The moment was visceral as well as emotional and the Argentine squad went berserk in celebrations. However, the merrymakings crossed the line, according to FIFA. According to various media reports, the Argentine players ventured into the official interview area while celebrating. As a result, the partition walls were damaged while some did not bother speaking to international media, despite the commitments. However, the focal point arguably was the celebration of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The Aston Villa keeper made lewd gestures with the Golden Glove award he received during the post-match ceremony. When asked why he did such a celebration, Martinez said, "I did it because the French were booing me, pride doesn't go with me." Read more: Argentina's Emiliano Martinez explains reason behind his lewd gesture with FIFA Golden Glove award His celebration was not well received across the footballing community with opposition keeper Hugo Lloris as well as former players like Patrick Viera criticising the action. “I don't think they really needed that. You sometimes can't control people's emotional decisions. But that was a stupid decision, I think, from Martinez to do that. I was really disappointed,” said Vierra. Argentina's celebrations spilled out of control during the official parade as well. After millions of fans poured into the streets of Buenos Aires, the Argentine players were forced off the bus via a helicopter to a secure location. WATCH | WION Sports: World champions Argentina return home to a rapturous welcome × Apart from Argentina, FIFA has also opened disciplinary proceedings against Croatia, Serbia, Mexico and Ecuador. The Serbian Football Association has been fined $54,000 and a partial stadium closure in its next FIFA match after Serbian supporters made uncouth chants in the game against arch-rivals Switzerland. Read more: FIFA World Cup: Qatar 2022 may have lost many battles but won the war (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Argentina for World Cup celebrations

Former Barcelona legend and Argentina captain Lionel Messi was called 'sewer rat' and 'hormonal dwarf' by Barcelona's former head of legal services Roman Gomez Ponti&nbsp;in leaked WhatsApp messages, according to SPORT. The publication acquired a series of WhatsApp messages exchanged between the former Barca board, which indicated an intense animosity towards Messi.

The WhatsApp messages&nbsp;also comprised Josep Maria Bartomeu, ex-CEO Oscar Grau,&nbsp;executives Jordi Moix, Oriol Tomas, and David Bellver, former CFO Pancho Schroder and Director for Strategy &amp; Innovation Javier Sobrino.&nbsp;This happened soon after a&nbsp;leak of&nbsp;Messi's contract with El Mundo led to a huge uproar among the board members. Hence, they took to the WhatsApp group with Ponti passing several derogatory comments on&nbsp;Messi.

As per the SPORT, Ponti reportedly told Bartomeu and the group in Spanish: "Barto, really, you can't be such a good person with this sewer rat. The club has given him everything and he has dedicated himself to marking a dictatorship of signings, transfers, renewals, sponsors just for him, etc."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/al-hilal-rival-club-of-cristiano-ronaldos-al-nassr-aims-to-sign-lionel-messi-for-300-million-reports-551961">Al Hilal, rival club of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, aims to sign Lionel Messi for $300 million - Reports</a>

The former head of legal services then asserted, "I will never be able to do it but to the figures of his contract should be added Pinto, the renewal of Suarez, and Jordi Alba, or the renewal fee of Fati (Rodrigo Messi, agent?). But he doesn't even know how to read and on top of that he had a drug dealer as a partner)."

Ponti then went ahead and accused&nbsp;Messi of blackmail, before labelling&nbsp;him as a "hormonal dwarf". "And above all, the accumulation of blackmails and disrespect that the club and those of us who work at the club have suffered from this hormonal dwarf who owes Barcelona his life... ah!"

Ponti added, "But when things go wrong (pandemic) you receive the mythical WhatsApp message: 'presi, lower the salary of the others, but don't touch me and Luis'. I hope he leaves amidst the indifference of the people, which is the worst thing that can happen to him."

To this, the former CEO Grau reportedly responded by saying, "I agree on many things, but first Barcelona and this type of article hurts the club's image."

It is to be noted that Messi left Barcelona in mid-2021 after the end of his contract. It was an emotional exit for the Argentine who&nbsp;became a part of Barcelona's youth academy at the age of 13 and later went onto become an integral part of the Spanish club, ending with as many as 672 goals.&nbsp;

After his Barcelona exit, Messi joined French club Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and his contract will end in 2022-23 and is yet to officially extend his stay in the French capital. 
 
&nbsp;

Former Barcelona legend and Argentina captain Lionel Messi was called 'sewer rat' and 'hormonal dwarf' by Barcelona's former head of legal services Roman Gomez Ponti in leaked WhatsApp messages, according to SPORT.

Former Barcelona legend and Argentina captain Lionel Messi was called 'sewer rat' and 'hormonal dwarf' by Barcelona's former head of legal services Roman Gomez Ponti in leaked WhatsApp messages, according to SPORT. The publication acquired a series of WhatsApp messages exchanged between the former Barca board, which indicated an intense animosity towards Messi. The WhatsApp messages also comprised Josep Maria Bartomeu, ex-CEO Oscar Grau, executives Jordi Moix, Oriol Tomas, and David Bellver, former CFO Pancho Schroder and Director for Strategy & Innovation Javier Sobrino. This happened soon after a leak of Messi's contract with El Mundo led to a huge uproar among the board members. Hence, they took to the WhatsApp group with Ponti passing several derogatory comments on Messi. As per the SPORT, Ponti reportedly told Bartomeu and the group in Spanish: "Barto, really, you can't be such a good person with this sewer rat. The club has given him everything and he has dedicated himself to marking a dictatorship of signings, transfers, renewals, sponsors just for him, etc." Also read: Al Hilal, rival club of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, aims to sign Lionel Messi for $300 million - Reports The former head of legal services then asserted, "I will never be able to do it but to the figures of his contract should be added Pinto, the renewal of Suarez, and Jordi Alba, or the renewal fee of Fati (Rodrigo Messi, agent?). But he doesn't even know how to read and on top of that he had a drug dealer as a partner)." Ponti then went ahead and accused Messi of blackmail, before labelling him as a "hormonal dwarf". "And above all, the accumulation of blackmails and disrespect that the club and those of us who work at the club have suffered from this hormonal dwarf who owes Barcelona his life... ah!" Ponti added, "But when things go wrong (pandemic) you receive the mythical WhatsApp message: 'presi, lower the salary of the others, but don't touch me and Luis'. I hope he leaves amidst the indifference of the people, which is the worst thing that can happen to him." To this, the former CEO Grau reportedly responded by saying, "I agree on many things, but first Barcelona and this type of article hurts the club's image." It is to be noted that Messi left Barcelona in mid-2021 after the end of his contract. It was an emotional exit for the Argentine who became a part of Barcelona's youth academy at the age of 13 and later went onto become an integral part of the Spanish club, ending with as many as 672 goals. After his Barcelona exit, Messi joined French club Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and his contract will end in 2022-23 and is yet to officially extend his stay in the French capital.

'Sewer Rat', 'hormonal dwarf': Derogatory comments made by ex-Barca official on Lionel Messi in leaked chat

Lionel Messi scored in Paris Saint-Germain's 2-0 win over Angers in Ligue 1 on Wednesday in his first appearance since leading Argentina to victory in the World Cup in Qatar.

Messi had been rested for PSG's first three matches following the long break in the season caused by the World Cup but he returned to training in Paris a week ago and was back in the starting line-up for this game against Ligue 1's bottom side.

The win, which came three and a half weeks after he captained Argentina to their World Cup final triumph on penalties against France in Qatar, saw PSG move six points clear at the top of the French table.

Neymar also started, having missed his team's last two matches due to suspension and to undergo treatment for the ankle injury he suffered playing for Brazil at the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe was rested for a second straight game having been afforded time off for a holiday in New York in the wake of his own World Cup campaign, which saw him score a hat-trick in the final but come out on the losing side.

Mbappe and Messi are expected to be reunited this weekend in Sunday's match away to Rennes.

In the meantime, the absence of the France star meant that young striker Hugo Ekitike again started in the home attack at the Parc des Princes and he opened the scoring in the fifth minute from a Nordi Mukiele cross at the end of a move in which Messi also featured.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-death-of-possession-football-542811">WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: The death of possession football?</a>

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PSG were not at their sparkling best but Messi swept in his 13th club goal of the season to make it 2-0 with 17 minutes left.

Ekitike and Mukiele were again involved before Messi applied the finish. The goal was initially disallowed for offside but a VAR check allowed it to stand.

"We are coming back off the World Cup so it is difficult for the players to find their reference points again," coach Christophe Galtier told broadcaster Canal Plus.

"We are all just getting used to playing together again and you could see at times that we lacked some of the connections between the players that we had more often before the World Cup," added Galtier, who admitted he had come down with a fever during the game.

PSG extend lead over Lens

It was a 10th straight league loss for Angers, while Galtier's PSG team extended their lead at the top of the table as second-placed Lens were held to a 2-2 draw away at Strasbourg.

PSG's unbeaten record this season had ended in a 3-1 defeat away at Lens on New Year's Day, but they bounced back to win 3-1 at third-tier Chateauroux in the French Cup at the weekend without any of their superstar attacking trio.

Lens are enjoying a fine season but could not get the better of struggling Strasbourg, who were playing their first game since the sacking of coach Julien Stephan.

Alexis Claude-Maurice put Lens ahead in Alsace only for Sanjin Prcic to equalise before Kevin Gameiro gave Strasbourg the lead. 
Belgian international Lois Openda then made it 2-2 before the break, and there were no further goals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fa-cup-2022-23-date-updates-fixtures-results-draw-time-how-to-watch-on-tv-live-streaming-550040">Read more:&nbsp;FA Cup 2022-23 Date updates: Fixtures, results, draw, time, how to watch on TV &amp; live streaming</a>

Marseille are now just two points behind Lens in third place after a 2-0 win at Troyes, sealed thanks to goals by Chancel Mbemba and Jordan Veretout, the latter a member of France's World Cup squad.

Rennes in the fourth sport lost ground after having two men sent off before conceding in injury time to lose 2-1 away at Clermont. 
Meanwhile, fifth-placed Monaco drew 2-2 at Lorient, while Nice crushed Montpellier 6-1 in their first game since sacking coach Lucien Favre.

On-loan Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe and England international midfielder Ross Barkley both scored twice for Nice. 
Lyon and Lille drew 0-0 away at Nantes and Brest respectively, while there were also wins for Toulouse and Ajaccio.

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Lionel Messi scored in Paris Saint-Germain's 2-0 win over Angers in Ligue 1 on Wednesday in his first appearance since leading Argentina to victory in the World Cup in Qatar.

Lionel Messi scored in Paris Saint-Germain's 2-0 win over Angers in Ligue 1 on Wednesday in his first appearance since leading Argentina to victory in the World Cup in Qatar. Messi had been rested for PSG's first three matches following the long break in the season caused by the World Cup but he returned to training in Paris a week ago and was back in the starting line-up for this game against Ligue 1's bottom side. The win, which came three and a half weeks after he captained Argentina to their World Cup final triumph on penalties against France in Qatar, saw PSG move six points clear at the top of the French table. Neymar also started, having missed his team's last two matches due to suspension and to undergo treatment for the ankle injury he suffered playing for Brazil at the World Cup. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe was rested for a second straight game having been afforded time off for a holiday in New York in the wake of his own World Cup campaign, which saw him score a hat-trick in the final but come out on the losing side. Mbappe and Messi are expected to be reunited this weekend in Sunday's match away to Rennes. In the meantime, the absence of the France star meant that young striker Hugo Ekitike again started in the home attack at the Parc des Princes and he opened the scoring in the fifth minute from a Nordi Mukiele cross at the end of a move in which Messi also featured. WATCH | Gravitas: The death of possession football? × PSG were not at their sparkling best but Messi swept in his 13th club goal of the season to make it 2-0 with 17 minutes left. Ekitike and Mukiele were again involved before Messi applied the finish. The goal was initially disallowed for offside but a VAR check allowed it to stand. "We are coming back off the World Cup so it is difficult for the players to find their reference points again," coach Christophe Galtier told broadcaster Canal Plus. "We are all just getting used to playing together again and you could see at times that we lacked some of the connections between the players that we had more often before the World Cup," added Galtier, who admitted he had come down with a fever during the game. PSG extend lead over Lens It was a 10th straight league loss for Angers, while Galtier's PSG team extended their lead at the top of the table as second-placed Lens were held to a 2-2 draw away at Strasbourg. PSG's unbeaten record this season had ended in a 3-1 defeat away at Lens on New Year's Day, but they bounced back to win 3-1 at third-tier Chateauroux in the French Cup at the weekend without any of their superstar attacking trio. Lens are enjoying a fine season but could not get the better of struggling Strasbourg, who were playing their first game since the sacking of coach Julien Stephan. Alexis Claude-Maurice put Lens ahead in Alsace only for Sanjin Prcic to equalise before Kevin Gameiro gave Strasbourg the lead. Belgian international Lois Openda then made it 2-2 before the break, and there were no further goals. Read more: FA Cup 2022-23 Date updates: Fixtures, results, draw, time, how to watch on TV & live streaming Marseille are now just two points behind Lens in third place after a 2-0 win at Troyes, sealed thanks to goals by Chancel Mbemba and Jordan Veretout, the latter a member of France's World Cup squad. Rennes in the fourth sport lost ground after having two men sent off before conceding in injury time to lose 2-1 away at Clermont. Meanwhile, fifth-placed Monaco drew 2-2 at Lorient, while Nice crushed Montpellier 6-1 in their first game since sacking coach Lucien Favre. On-loan Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe and England international midfielder Ross Barkley both scored twice for Nice. Lyon and Lille drew 0-0 away at Nantes and Brest respectively, while there were also wins for Toulouse and Ajaccio. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Messi bags a goal in PSG's win against Angers after World Cup heroics

After Cristiano Ronaldo's shocking move to Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr in a record-breaking deal, where he is expected to earn more than 200 million Euros ($214.04 million) until 2025, Al Hilal, a rival club, is plotting a potential purchase of Lionel Messi for a whopping $300 million, as reported by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo. Although Messi has cleared his intentions of staying for another year at&nbsp;Paris Saint German (PSG), Al Hilal are hopeful of a dream transfer next summer when the world cup winner becomes a free agent.&nbsp;

With Messi serving as the brand ambassador for Saudi tourism, and given his good relations with the Saudi Arabia, Al Hilal wants to bank on this chance and make him the highest-paid footballer&nbsp;ever by luring him into this deal.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/afghanistan-pacer-naveen-ul-haq-slams-cricket-australia-over-childish-decisions-withdraws-from-bbl-202223-551926">Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq slams Cricket Australia over 'childish decisions', withdraws from BBL 2022/23</a>

However, Al Hilal is not the only club that is chasing Lionel Messi if he decides to not renew his PSG contract any further. Messi's former club, FC Barcelona have also shown interest in getting the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner back to Camp Nou, whereas, MLS team - Inter Miami have also believed to have initiated a contact with Messi for a possible transfer next summer.

Meanwhile, PSG is confident that Messi, who has verbally informed them about his willingness to extend his contract until 2025, will stick to his words and sign a new deal very soon.

Also, considering for a moment that if this al Hilal deal happens next summer, the world would witness yet another leg of Ronaldo vs Messi epic rivalry getting unfold, but in Gulf this time.

After Cristiano Ronaldo's shocking move to Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr in a record-breaking deal, where he is expected to earn more than 200 million Euros ($214.04 million) until 2025, Al Hilal, a rival club, is plotting a potential purchase of Lionel Messi for a whopping $300 million, as reported by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.

After Cristiano Ronaldo's shocking move to Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr in a record-breaking deal, where he is expected to earn more than 200 million Euros ($214.04 million) until 2025, Al Hilal, a rival club, is plotting a potential purchase of Lionel Messi for a whopping $300 million, as reported by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo. Although Messi has cleared his intentions of staying for another year at Paris Saint German (PSG), Al Hilal are hopeful of a dream transfer next summer when the world cup winner becomes a free agent. With Messi serving as the brand ambassador for Saudi tourism, and given his good relations with the Saudi Arabia, Al Hilal wants to bank on this chance and make him the highest-paid footballer ever by luring him into this deal. ALSO READ: Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq slams Cricket Australia over 'childish decisions', withdraws from BBL 2022/23 However, Al Hilal is not the only club that is chasing Lionel Messi if he decides to not renew his PSG contract any further. Messi's former club, FC Barcelona have also shown interest in getting the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner back to Camp Nou, whereas, MLS team - Inter Miami have also believed to have initiated a contact with Messi for a possible transfer next summer. Meanwhile, PSG is confident that Messi, who has verbally informed them about his willingness to extend his contract until 2025, will stick to his words and sign a new deal very soon. Also, considering for a moment that if this al Hilal deal happens next summer, the world would witness yet another leg of Ronaldo vs Messi epic rivalry getting unfold, but in Gulf this time.

Al Hilal, rival club of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, aims to sign Lionel Messi for $300 million - Reports

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