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Argentina striker Lionel Messi and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo headlined the nominations for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2021 revealed the governing body. The winners of awards will be revealed at an online ceremony on January 17 2022. The candidates have been selected by two expert panels - one for women`s football and one for men`s football. Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has also been shortlisted for the awards following his incredible form this year.Magdalena Eriksson, Pernille Harder and Ji Soyun are some of the prominent names shortlisted for the awards.

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"Public voting is open on FIFA.com and will run until 23:59 CET on 10 December 2021," FIFA said in a statement. The apex body of football will announce the three finalists in each of the seven categories listed above in early January 2022.

Argentina striker Lionel Messi and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo headlined the nominations for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2021 revealed the governing body.

Argentina striker Lionel Messi and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo headlined the nominations for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2021 revealed the governing body. The winners of awards will be revealed at an online ceremony on January 17 2022. The candidates have been selected by two expert panels - one for women`s football and one for men`s football. Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has also been shortlisted for the awards following his incredible form this year.Magdalena Eriksson, Pernille Harder and Ji Soyun are some of the prominent names shortlisted for the awards. ALSO READ | Cuban woman claims Argentina's great late Diego Maradona raped her as teenager, ''stole my childhood'' "Public voting is open on FIFA.com and will run until 23:59 CET on 10 December 2021," FIFA said in a statement. The apex body of football will announce the three finalists in each of the seven categories listed above in early January 2022.

Superstar duo Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi headline nominees for FIFA Best Men's Player award

Lionel Messi struck his first goal in Ligue 1 on Saturday as Paris Saint-Germain overcame a red card for goalkeeper Keylor Navas to defeat Nantes 3-1.

Kylian Mbappe carried on his prolific goalscoring run with an early opener at the Parc des Princes, but Randal Kolo Muani equalised for Nantes in the second half after Navas was sent off.

A freak own goal by Dennis Appiah put&nbsp;PSG&nbsp;back in front with 10 minutes left before Messi wrapped up a 12th win in 14 league games this season ahead of next week's Champions League trip to Manchester City.

"I'm delighted with this first goal, I really wanted it," Messi told Amazon Prime.

The Argentine has scored three times for&nbsp;PSG&nbsp;in as many games in Europe, but had yet to open his account in the French top flight after five appearances.

"I've had several chances, in this match and in previous matches," he said.

"I'm very happy with this first goal in Ligue 1 even if I had already scored in the Champions League."

Mauricio Pochettino's side increased their lead at the top of the table to 12 points over Rennes, who moved into second place with a 2-0 victory over Montpellier.

Messi missed&nbsp;PSG's past two games before the international break through injury, but returned to form a fearsome attack alongside Neymar and Mbappe after leading Argentina to a place at the 2022 World Cup.

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Nantes had beaten&nbsp;PSG&nbsp;on their last visit to the capital in March, but Mbappe ensured the hosts made an ideal start by redirecting Leandro Paredes' long-range effort past Alban Lafont.

The France star has scored seven times in his last four outings after netting five goals for his country in World Cup qualifying wins over Kazakhstan and Finland over the past week.

Lafont produced a series of fine saves to keep Nantes in the game, twice thwarting Messi while also denying Neymar and Mbappe with his legs.

<h2>Navas red card</h2>

Nantes sensed their opportunity though when Navas was shown a red card on 65 minutes for flattening Ludovic Blas after charging outside his area in pursuit of a long ball.

With Gianluigi Donnarumma ill, third-choice Sergio Rico came on for his first appearance of the season at Neymar's expense, almost immediately making a brilliant reflex stop from point-blank range.

Rico again reacted sharply to repel a header from Kolo Muani, but the Nantes striker was quickest to the rebound and back-heeled over the line -- with goal-line technology confirming the ball had crossed before Rico parried clear.

PSG&nbsp;regained the lead through a huge stroke of luck as Appiah's attempt to cut out a pass from Messi looped over a stranded Lafont from 20 metres.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner then sealed the points four minutes from time, receiving a pass from Mbappe 35 metres out and drifting towards the area before sweeping into the far corner.

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Later Saturday, Rennes continued their excellent run of form as a confident win over Montpellier extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches in all competitions.

Goals inside the first half-hour from Martin Terrier and Croatian international Lovro Majer saw them leapfrog Lens, Nice and Marseille into second place.

Lionel Messi struck his first goal in Ligue 1 on Saturday as Paris Saint-Germain overcame a red card for goalkeeper Keylor Navas to defeat Nantes 3-1. Kylian Mbappe carried on his prolific goalscoring run with an early opener at the Parc des Princes, but Randal Kolo Muani equalised for Nantes in the second half after Navas was sent off.

Lionel Messi struck his first goal in Ligue 1 on Saturday as Paris Saint-Germain overcame a red card for goalkeeper Keylor Navas to defeat Nantes 3-1. Kylian Mbappe carried on his prolific goalscoring run with an early opener at the Parc des Princes, but Randal Kolo Muani equalised for Nantes in the second half after Navas was sent off. A freak own goal by Dennis Appiah put PSG back in front with 10 minutes left before Messi wrapped up a 12th win in 14 league games this season ahead of next week's Champions League trip to Manchester City. "I'm delighted with this first goal, I really wanted it," Messi told Amazon Prime. The Argentine has scored three times for PSG in as many games in Europe, but had yet to open his account in the French top flight after five appearances. "I've had several chances, in this match and in previous matches," he said. "I'm very happy with this first goal in Ligue 1 even if I had already scored in the Champions League." Mauricio Pochettino's side increased their lead at the top of the table to 12 points over Rennes, who moved into second place with a 2-0 victory over Montpellier. Messi missed PSG's past two games before the international break through injury, but returned to form a fearsome attack alongside Neymar and Mbappe after leading Argentina to a place at the 2022 World Cup. ALSO READ: Manchester United to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after Watford humiliation: Reports Nantes had beaten PSG on their last visit to the capital in March, but Mbappe ensured the hosts made an ideal start by redirecting Leandro Paredes' long-range effort past Alban Lafont. The France star has scored seven times in his last four outings after netting five goals for his country in World Cup qualifying wins over Kazakhstan and Finland over the past week. Lafont produced a series of fine saves to keep Nantes in the game, twice thwarting Messi while also denying Neymar and Mbappe with his legs. Navas red card Nantes sensed their opportunity though when Navas was shown a red card on 65 minutes for flattening Ludovic Blas after charging outside his area in pursuit of a long ball. With Gianluigi Donnarumma ill, third-choice Sergio Rico came on for his first appearance of the season at Neymar's expense, almost immediately making a brilliant reflex stop from point-blank range. Rico again reacted sharply to repel a header from Kolo Muani, but the Nantes striker was quickest to the rebound and back-heeled over the line -- with goal-line technology confirming the ball had crossed before Rico parried clear. PSG regained the lead through a huge stroke of luck as Appiah's attempt to cut out a pass from Messi looped over a stranded Lafont from 20 metres. The six-time Ballon d'Or winner then sealed the points four minutes from time, receiving a pass from Mbappe 35 metres out and drifting towards the area before sweeping into the far corner. ALSO READ: Steven Gerrard era at Aston Villa begins with 2-0 win over Brighton Later Saturday, Rennes continued their excellent run of form as a confident win over Montpellier extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches in all competitions. Goals inside the first half-hour from Martin Terrier and Croatian international Lovro Majer saw them leapfrog Lens, Nice and Marseille into second place.

Ligue 1: Lionel Messi scores first league goal as 10-man PSG beat Nantes

Argentina&nbsp;qualified for next year's World Cup in Qatar as a point in their 0-0 draw with Brazil on Tuesday proved enough after defeats for Chile and Uruguay.&nbsp;

The reigning Copa America champions came into the match against their arch rivals knowing that a win might not be enough to secure their ticket, but a draw could be.

And Chile's 2-0 defeat at home to Ecuador, coupled with Uruguay's 3-0 loss to Bolivia, sent&nbsp;Argentina&nbsp;through.&nbsp;

It caps a fine year for&nbsp;Argentina&nbsp;and Lionel Messi, who won their 15th Copa America in July with a 1-0 final victory over Brazil at Rio de Janeiro's iconic Maracana stadium.

"If we analyze this year, it was beautiful. What we've been through with the fans ... everything was complete," said Rodrigo De Paul.

Argentina&nbsp;welcomed back six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi to their starting line-up while star forward Neymar missed out for Brazil.

But Messi was unable to inspire his team in a match of few chances, against opponents who booked their ticket to Qatar on Thursday with a 1-0 win over Colombia.

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Brazil remain top of the qualifying group, six points clear of&nbsp;Argentina, who took their unbeaten run to 27 matches.

"We played very well in every match this year. We're already qualified for the World Cup," said Brazil's Fred.

"Today we failed in the final third but the most important thing is coming away without a goal against."

Brazil wasted a two-on-two break when Fred's pass forced Vinicius Junior wide, and his first touch ran out of play.

It summed up a match that never caught fire and in which almost nothing came off from either side.

Quick-thinking Matheus Cunha tried to score the goal of the qualification campaign when attempting to chip&nbsp;Argentina&nbsp;goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from inside his own half, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.

Argentina&nbsp;came alive in the last five minutes of the half as De Paul managed the hosts' first shot on target, although Alisson Becker dealt with it comfortably in the Brazil goal.

Brazil had only managed one shot on target themselves in the first 45 minutes, and that was a weak effort by Fred.

The major talking point was how&nbsp;Argentina&nbsp;center-back Nicolas Otamendi escaped a red card for elbowing Raphinha in the face, drawing blood.

According to reports, Raphinha needed five stitches at half-time.

Much-maligned Manchester United midfielder Fred almost became the unlikely hero in the second period when he came closest yet to breaking the deadlock, clipping the top of the bar with Martinez beaten.

But there was little else to get excited about, with neither goalkeeper seriously tested.

Even a late effort from Messi after jinking past Fred was straight at Alisson.

Bolivia, Peru close in

Twice world champions Uruguay's hopes suffered a huge blow as they were thrashed at 10-man Bolivia, leaving them seventh in the 10-team group, although only a point off the last automatic qualification place.

A brace from Juan Carlos Arce and another from Marcelo Martins gave Bolivia a comfortable victory that keeps their qualification hopes alive.

Even the dismissal of Carmelo Algaranaz 15 minutes from the end, with the score 2-0, did not ruin Bolivia's night.

A third win in four matches left Bolivia just two points behind Colombia in fourth.

Colombia are hanging on by their fingernails to the final qualification berth after a fifth straight game without a goal -- four of which ended 0-0.

Colombia could not force a winner at home to Paraguay, even though the visitors had Adrian Cubas sent off six minutes from time.

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Peru's second win in a row, 2-1 away to rock-bottom Venezuela, put them level on points with Colombia in the intercontinental play-off spot.

Gianluca Lapadula and Christian Cueva goals either side of a Darwin Machis strike for Venezuela gave Peru a crucial win.

Goals from Pervis Estupinan and Moises Caicedo condemned Chile to defeat, and dropped them from fourth to sixth.

They also had Arturo Vidal sent-off in the first half for a high boot.

Ecuador sit third, six points ahead of Peru in fifth with just four matches left.

Argentina qualified for next year's World Cup in Qatar as a point in their 0-0 draw with Brazil on Tuesday proved enough after defeats for Chile and Uruguay. The reigning Copa America champions came into the match against their arch rivals knowing that a win might not be enough to secure their ticket, but a draw could be.

Argentina qualified for next year's World Cup in Qatar as a point in their 0-0 draw with Brazil on Tuesday proved enough after defeats for Chile and Uruguay. The reigning Copa America champions came into the match against their arch rivals knowing that a win might not be enough to secure their ticket, but a draw could be. And Chile's 2-0 defeat at home to Ecuador, coupled with Uruguay's 3-0 loss to Bolivia, sent Argentina through. It caps a fine year for Argentina and Lionel Messi, who won their 15th Copa America in July with a 1-0 final victory over Brazil at Rio de Janeiro's iconic Maracana stadium. "If we analyze this year, it was beautiful. What we've been through with the fans ... everything was complete," said Rodrigo De Paul. Argentina welcomed back six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi to their starting line-up while star forward Neymar missed out for Brazil. But Messi was unable to inspire his team in a match of few chances, against opponents who booked their ticket to Qatar on Thursday with a 1-0 win over Colombia. ALSO READ: Qatar denies Amnesty's claims of migrant workers' exploitation in preparation for 2022 World Cup Brazil remain top of the qualifying group, six points clear of Argentina, who took their unbeaten run to 27 matches. "We played very well in every match this year. We're already qualified for the World Cup," said Brazil's Fred. "Today we failed in the final third but the most important thing is coming away without a goal against." Brazil wasted a two-on-two break when Fred's pass forced Vinicius Junior wide, and his first touch ran out of play. It summed up a match that never caught fire and in which almost nothing came off from either side. Quick-thinking Matheus Cunha tried to score the goal of the qualification campaign when attempting to chip Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from inside his own half, but his effort sailed over the crossbar. Argentina came alive in the last five minutes of the half as De Paul managed the hosts' first shot on target, although Alisson Becker dealt with it comfortably in the Brazil goal. Brazil had only managed one shot on target themselves in the first 45 minutes, and that was a weak effort by Fred. The major talking point was how Argentina center-back Nicolas Otamendi escaped a red card for elbowing Raphinha in the face, drawing blood. According to reports, Raphinha needed five stitches at half-time. Much-maligned Manchester United midfielder Fred almost became the unlikely hero in the second period when he came closest yet to breaking the deadlock, clipping the top of the bar with Martinez beaten. But there was little else to get excited about, with neither goalkeeper seriously tested. Even a late effort from Messi after jinking past Fred was straight at Alisson. Bolivia, Peru close in Twice world champions Uruguay's hopes suffered a huge blow as they were thrashed at 10-man Bolivia, leaving them seventh in the 10-team group, although only a point off the last automatic qualification place. A brace from Juan Carlos Arce and another from Marcelo Martins gave Bolivia a comfortable victory that keeps their qualification hopes alive. Even the dismissal of Carmelo Algaranaz 15 minutes from the end, with the score 2-0, did not ruin Bolivia's night. A third win in four matches left Bolivia just two points behind Colombia in fourth. Colombia are hanging on by their fingernails to the final qualification berth after a fifth straight game without a goal -- four of which ended 0-0. Colombia could not force a winner at home to Paraguay, even though the visitors had Adrian Cubas sent off six minutes from time. ALSO READ: Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy charged with 2 more counts of rape Peru's second win in a row, 2-1 away to rock-bottom Venezuela, put them level on points with Colombia in the intercontinental play-off spot. Gianluca Lapadula and Christian Cueva goals either side of a Darwin Machis strike for Venezuela gave Peru a crucial win. Goals from Pervis Estupinan and Moises Caicedo condemned Chile to defeat, and dropped them from fourth to sixth. They also had Arturo Vidal sent-off in the first half for a high boot. Ecuador sit third, six points ahead of Peru in fifth with just four matches left.

World Cup qualifier: Argentina qualify for World Cup after Brazil draw

Argentina captain Lionel Messi is fit again and will start their World Cup qualifier at home to Brazil on Tuesday but Neymar will miss out for the visitors after feeling pain in his thigh, the teams announced.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made similar comments ahead of their last game, a 1-0 win over Uruguay on Friday, although Messi only appeared for the final 14 minutes of the match.

Argentina are second in South America’s 10-team qualifying group, six points behind Brazil, who are the only team from the region to have secured their place at Qatar 2022 so far.

Scaloni repeated that Messi, 34, had recovered fully from the knee and hamstring worries that kept him out of Paris St Germain’s last two games and was ready for one of the biggest matches in the South American calendar.

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“He was physically fit the other day and in the end we decided that the best thing was for him to play a few minutes so that he could get a feel for it and he is confirmed to play tomorrow,” Scaloni said of Tuesday’s match in San Juan.

“It’s going to be a very difficult game,” said Scaloni. “They are the team that leads the qualifiers and they are already through to the finals."

Brazil will be without Neymar after their top scorer reported feeling pains in the adductor region of his left thigh.

"Neymar Jr said he felt insecure about the situation and as there is not enough time to carry out complementary exams the technical commission decided to rest the player who will not travel with the team to San Juan, location of Tuesday`s game against Argentina," the Brazil team said in a statement.

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The top four teams in South American qualifying progress automatically to next year`s World Cup finals and the fifth-placed side goes into an inter-regional playoff.

Argentina are unbeaten in 26 games, a run that includes a 1-0 win over Brazil in the Copa America final in Rio de Janeiro in July. 
&nbsp;

Argentina captain Lionel Messi is fit again and will start their World Cup qualifier at home to Brazil on Tuesday but Neymar will miss out for the visitors after feeling pain in his thigh, the teams announced.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi is fit again and will start their World Cup qualifier at home to Brazil on Tuesday but Neymar will miss out for the visitors after feeling pain in his thigh, the teams announced. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made similar comments ahead of their last game, a 1-0 win over Uruguay on Friday, although Messi only appeared for the final 14 minutes of the match. Argentina are second in South America’s 10-team qualifying group, six points behind Brazil, who are the only team from the region to have secured their place at Qatar 2022 so far. Scaloni repeated that Messi, 34, had recovered fully from the knee and hamstring worries that kept him out of Paris St Germain’s last two games and was ready for one of the biggest matches in the South American calendar. ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia launches first women's football league “He was physically fit the other day and in the end we decided that the best thing was for him to play a few minutes so that he could get a feel for it and he is confirmed to play tomorrow,” Scaloni said of Tuesday’s match in San Juan. “It’s going to be a very difficult game,” said Scaloni. “They are the team that leads the qualifiers and they are already through to the finals." Brazil will be without Neymar after their top scorer reported feeling pains in the adductor region of his left thigh. "Neymar Jr said he felt insecure about the situation and as there is not enough time to carry out complementary exams the technical commission decided to rest the player who will not travel with the team to San Juan, location of Tuesday`s game against Argentina," the Brazil team said in a statement. ALSO READ: World Cup Qualifiers: Ronaldo's Portugal left stunned as Serbia, Spain and Croatia confirm qualification The top four teams in South American qualifying progress automatically to next year`s World Cup finals and the fifth-placed side goes into an inter-regional playoff. Argentina are unbeaten in 26 games, a run that includes a 1-0 win over Brazil in the Copa America final in Rio de Janeiro in July.

World Cup qualifier: Lionel Messi will start for Argentina vs Brazil, Neymar out injured

Paris St Germain forward Lionel Messi will miss Saturday's Ligue 1 trip to Bordeaux through injury but could feature for Argentina in this month's World Cup qualifiers, manager Mauricio Pochettino said on Friday.

The 34-year-old Messi, who signed from Barcelona in the close season, is still recovering from "knee and hamstring pains", the club said. He also sat out the 2-2 draw against RB Leipzig&nbsp;in the Champions League in midweek.

"Tomorrow he won't be available to play for the team. We will see if he can travel to play for his country. We hope he can go and play for his country and then return to us fit," Pochettino told reporters.

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Argentina travel to Uruguay on Nov. 12 and host Brazil four days later. Second-placed Argentina trail Brazil by six points.

Messi has had a frustrating start to his career in Paris, featuring in just eight games in all competitions.

PSG sit top of the league table with 31 points from 12 games, eight points ahead of second-placed Nice.

Paris St Germain forward Lionel Messi will miss Saturday's Ligue 1 trip to Bordeaux through injury but could feature for Argentina in this month's World Cup qualifiers, manager Mauricio Pochettino said on Friday.

Paris St Germain forward Lionel Messi will miss Saturday's Ligue 1 trip to Bordeaux through injury but could feature for Argentina in this month's World Cup qualifiers, manager Mauricio Pochettino said on Friday. The 34-year-old Messi, who signed from Barcelona in the close season, is still recovering from "knee and hamstring pains", the club said. He also sat out the 2-2 draw against RB Leipzig in the Champions League in midweek. "Tomorrow he won't be available to play for the team. We will see if he can travel to play for his country. We hope he can go and play for his country and then return to us fit," Pochettino told reporters. ALSO READ | Xavi Hernandez set to become Barcelona's new coach as Al Sadd and Barca reach agreement Argentina travel to Uruguay on Nov. 12 and host Brazil four days later. Second-placed Argentina trail Brazil by six points. Messi has had a frustrating start to his career in Paris, featuring in just eight games in all competitions. PSG sit top of the league table with 31 points from 12 games, eight points ahead of second-placed Nice.

Lionel Messi to miss PSG trip to Bordeaux due to injury

Moving on from Messi to top-four finish: Issues that Xavi will have to address at Barcelona

Lionel Messi said he will return to live in Barcelona with his family when his time at Paris St Germain is over and would like to help the LaLiga club in the role of a technical director.

Messi ended a two-decade stay at the cash-strapped Spanish club, where he is their record scorer with 672 goals, in the off-season and joined PSG on a free transfer on a two-year deal.

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"What is almost confirmed ... is that we are going to live in Barcelona again and that our life will be there," the 34-year-old Argentine said in an interview with Spanish outlet Sport.

"It's what my wife wants and what I want. I don't know when my contract with PSG ends but we'll go back to Barcelona to live.

"I always said that I would love to be able to help the club ... I would love to be a technical director at some point. I don't know if it will be at Barcelona or not.

"If there is a possibility, I would like to contribute again because it`s the club that I love and I would love for it to continue doing well, to continue growing and to continue being one of the best in the world."

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Barca, who are ninth in LaLiga, sacked coach Ronald Koeman last week.

Messi limped off injured in PSG's 2-1 win over champions Lille on Friday but coach Mauricio Pochettino is hopeful he will be available for this week`s Champions League game at RB Leipzig. 
&nbsp;

Lionel Messi said he will return to live in Barcelona with his family when his time at Paris St Germain is over and would like to help the LaLiga club in the role of a technical director.

Lionel Messi said he will return to live in Barcelona with his family when his time at Paris St Germain is over and would like to help the LaLiga club in the role of a technical director. Messi ended a two-decade stay at the cash-strapped Spanish club, where he is their record scorer with 672 goals, in the off-season and joined PSG on a free transfer on a two-year deal. ALSO READ: Premier League: Chelsea profit as Manchester City shocked by Crystal Palace, Liverpool held by Brighton "What is almost confirmed ... is that we are going to live in Barcelona again and that our life will be there," the 34-year-old Argentine said in an interview with Spanish outlet Sport. "It's what my wife wants and what I want. I don't know when my contract with PSG ends but we'll go back to Barcelona to live. "I always said that I would love to be able to help the club ... I would love to be a technical director at some point. I don't know if it will be at Barcelona or not. "If there is a possibility, I would like to contribute again because it`s the club that I love and I would love for it to continue doing well, to continue growing and to continue being one of the best in the world." ALSO READ: Wilfried Zaha suffers racist abuse online after Crystal Palace stun Manchester City Barca, who are ninth in LaLiga, sacked coach Ronald Koeman last week. Messi limped off injured in PSG's 2-1 win over champions Lille on Friday but coach Mauricio Pochettino is hopeful he will be available for this week`s Champions League game at RB Leipzig.

Lionel Messi keen on Barcelona return after hanging up his boots

Angel Di Maria showed his worth as he set up the first and scored the winner to give Paris St Germain a 2-1 win against champions Lille in Ligue 1 after Lionel Messi limped off injured on Friday.

In the absence of Kylian Mbappe, who is suffering from an infection, Di Maria shone throughout the game, providing captain Marquinhos with the equaliser after Jonathan David`s opener before finding the back of the net two minutes from time.

After Messi left the pitch with a muscle problem, the Argentine winger found his range to put leaders PSG on 31 points from 12 games, 10 ahead of second-placed RC Lens.

Lille, who deserved better after a convincing first half, are 11th with 15 points.

Both teams went end-to-end in an entertaining opening half but Lille showed more poise and it took a superb save from Gianluigi Donnarumma to deny Burak Yilmaz in the first minute.

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Lille, looking more like the team that dominated the league last season, were rewarded in the 31st minute when David opened his right foot to deflect Yilmaz`s powerful cross into the roof of the net from point-blank range.

Messi, who has yet to score for PSG in five league appearances, was replaced by Mauro Icardi as he appeared to be still suffering from the muscle problem that forced him to miss training with the team on Thursday.

"It was a precaution, and we hope he will be available for the game against Leipzig," said coach Mauricio Pochettino, referring to Wednesday`s Champions League Group A game.

Lille came close to doubling the tally through David but Donnarumma pulled another brilliant save to keep the home side afloat.

The Italy keeper was at it again to tip away a whipped shot from Yilmaz shortly before the hour.

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But Angel Di Maria and Neymar were a constant threat as PSG started to pile the pressure. It paid off in the 74th minute when Marquinhos latched onto a superb lofted cross from Di Maria to make it 1-1.

PSG came close to gaining the advantage five minutes from time but Ivo Grbic parried Icardi's low shot with his right foot.

The winner came shortly after when Di Maria coolly slotted the ball past Grbic with a low shot from Neymar`s pass inside the box. 
&nbsp;

Angel Di Maria showed his worth as he set up the first and scored the winner to give Paris St Germain a 2-1 win against champions Lille in Ligue 1 after Lionel Messi limped off injured on Friday.

Angel Di Maria showed his worth as he set up the first and scored the winner to give Paris St Germain a 2-1 win against champions Lille in Ligue 1 after Lionel Messi limped off injured on Friday. In the absence of Kylian Mbappe, who is suffering from an infection, Di Maria shone throughout the game, providing captain Marquinhos with the equaliser after Jonathan David`s opener before finding the back of the net two minutes from time. After Messi left the pitch with a muscle problem, the Argentine winger found his range to put leaders PSG on 31 points from 12 games, 10 ahead of second-placed RC Lens. Lille, who deserved better after a convincing first half, are 11th with 15 points. Both teams went end-to-end in an entertaining opening half but Lille showed more poise and it took a superb save from Gianluigi Donnarumma to deny Burak Yilmaz in the first minute. ALSO READ: Barcelona president Joan Laporta says club should have fired Ronald Koeman earlier Lille, looking more like the team that dominated the league last season, were rewarded in the 31st minute when David opened his right foot to deflect Yilmaz`s powerful cross into the roof of the net from point-blank range. Messi, who has yet to score for PSG in five league appearances, was replaced by Mauro Icardi as he appeared to be still suffering from the muscle problem that forced him to miss training with the team on Thursday. "It was a precaution, and we hope he will be available for the game against Leipzig," said coach Mauricio Pochettino, referring to Wednesday`s Champions League Group A game. Lille came close to doubling the tally through David but Donnarumma pulled another brilliant save to keep the home side afloat. The Italy keeper was at it again to tip away a whipped shot from Yilmaz shortly before the hour. ALSO READ: Barcelona names Sergi Barjuan as interim coach to replace Ronald Koeman But Angel Di Maria and Neymar were a constant threat as PSG started to pile the pressure. It paid off in the 74th minute when Marquinhos latched onto a superb lofted cross from Di Maria to make it 1-1. PSG came close to gaining the advantage five minutes from time but Ivo Grbic parried Icardi's low shot with his right foot. The winner came shortly after when Di Maria coolly slotted the ball past Grbic with a low shot from Neymar`s pass inside the box.

Ligue 1: Angel Di Maria shines, Lionel Messi injured as PSG beat Lille to go 10 points clear

Out-of-favour Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav showed up in Paris to watch the UEFA Champions League match between Lionel Messi-starrer Paris Saint Germain and&nbsp;RB Leipzig, on October 20 (Wednesday)&nbsp;at the Parc des Princes. The match lived upto expectations as it went down the wire where Lionel Messi starred for PSG to take them to a thrilling 3-2 win, overcoming a 2-1 deficit at the start of the final half.&nbsp;

PSG got off to a flier as Kylian Mbappe scored the first goal within ten minutes of the start of play. Andre Silva, of RB Leipzig, levelled the scores before the first-half whereas Nordi Mukiele made it 2-1 in favour of RB Leipzig. Messi, however, came to his usual best in the end moments of the clash and his twin strikes saved Neymar-less PSG as they bounced back in style to claim the match 3-2, on matchday 3 of the group stage in UEFA Champions League.&nbsp;

Kuldeep, who is a football fanatic like most of the Team India players, shared pictures from his visit to the stadium -- where he witnessed an absolute thriller. He captioned the post, "Paris est magique #PSGRBL". Here's what he posted:

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/inzamam-ul-haq-explains-why-virat-kohli-led-india-have-great-chance-of-winning-t20-wc-422675">Inzamam-ul-Haq explains why Virat Kohli-led India have 'great chance of winning T20 WC'</a>

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Talking about Kuldeep, he wasn't part of the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) playing XI in the first leg of IPL 2021, played in India. The wrist-spinner got injured and returned back to India during the second and final leg, in the UAE, of the recently-concluded 14th edition. He underwent a knee surgery last month and will be looking to make a strong comeback&nbsp;in India's XI across formats.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/el-clasico-lionel-messis-departure-puts-spotlight-on-rising-stars-ansu-fati-and-vinicius-jr-422628">El Clasico: Lionel Messi's departure puts spotlight on rising stars Ansu Fati and Vinicius Jr</a>

Team India, on the other hand, is currently in the UAE and gearing up for their tournament-opener in the T20 World Cup 2021.

Out-of-favour Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav showed up in Paris to watch the UEFA Champions League match between Lionel Messi-starrer Paris Saint Germain and RB Leipzig, on October 20 (Wednesday) at the Parc des Princes.

Out-of-favour Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav showed up in Paris to watch the UEFA Champions League match between Lionel Messi-starrer Paris Saint Germain and RB Leipzig, on October 20 (Wednesday) at the Parc des Princes. The match lived upto expectations as it went down the wire where Lionel Messi starred for PSG to take them to a thrilling 3-2 win, overcoming a 2-1 deficit at the start of the final half. PSG got off to a flier as Kylian Mbappe scored the first goal within ten minutes of the start of play. Andre Silva, of RB Leipzig, levelled the scores before the first-half whereas Nordi Mukiele made it 2-1 in favour of RB Leipzig. Messi, however, came to his usual best in the end moments of the clash and his twin strikes saved Neymar-less PSG as they bounced back in style to claim the match 3-2, on matchday 3 of the group stage in UEFA Champions League. Kuldeep, who is a football fanatic like most of the Team India players, shared pictures from his visit to the stadium -- where he witnessed an absolute thriller. He captioned the post, "Paris est magique #PSGRBL". Here's what he posted: ALSO READ | Inzamam-ul-Haq explains why Virat Kohli-led India have 'great chance of winning T20 WC' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kuldeep yadav 🇮🇳 (@kuldeep_18) × Talking about Kuldeep, he wasn't part of the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) playing XI in the first leg of IPL 2021, played in India. The wrist-spinner got injured and returned back to India during the second and final leg, in the UAE, of the recently-concluded 14th edition. He underwent a knee surgery last month and will be looking to make a strong comeback in India's XI across formats. ALSO READ | El Clasico: Lionel Messi's departure puts spotlight on rising stars Ansu Fati and Vinicius Jr Team India, on the other hand, is currently in the UAE and gearing up for their tournament-opener in the T20 World Cup 2021.

Kuldeep Yadav turns up in Paris to watch UEFA Champions League match between Lionel Messi's PSG & RB Leipzig

The first Barcelona v Real Madrid meeting after the departure of Lionel Messi to Paris St Germain will be headlined on Sunday by two youngsters as a game typically billed as a clash of superstars instead looks to the upcoming talent of Vinicius Jr and Ansu Fati.

The two players still have a lot to prove, but their talent has elevated them to a point where they are becoming the new faces of their clubs.

On Barcelona's side, Fati has been one of the few positives in a season that started with the heartbreaking loss of Messi due to a financial crisis that also led to Antoine Griezmann rejoining Atletico Madrid.

After being out for almost a year following a devastating injury to his left knee that required four surgeries, the 18-year-old Spain international returned to the side five games ago and has been Barca's best player since.

He scored within 10 minutes of coming on as a substitute in his first game back against Levante and netted Barca`s first goal with a beauty from outside the box in a comeback victory over Valencia last Sunday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-united-club-owners-keen-on-buying-an-ipl-team-report-422566">Manchester United club owners keen on buying an IPL team: Report</a>

His efforts were rewarded on Wednesday when Barcelona announced that he had agreed a new contract that runs until 2027. The 18-year-old's new deal includes a buyout clause of 1 billion euros ($1.17 billion).

Fati, who inherited Barcelona’s number 10 jersey from Messi, burst onto the scene for the club at 16, when he became the second youngest player in LaLiga history.

He quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the world, becoming the youngest player to score in the Champions League and the youngest player to net for Spain.

MAIN THREAT

He is likely to provide Barcelona`s main threat alongside Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero, whose own comeback from a calf injury he suffered in pre-season continued with cameo appearances against Valencia and Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League on Wednesday.

For Real Madrid, Karim Benzema is having probably the best season of his career and is a contender to win the Ballon D`or.

He is LaLiga`s top scorer, with nine goals and seven assists, but despite the France international`s excellent form, the headlines in the Spanish capital this week were focused on his partner up front.

The 21-year-old Brazilian Vinicius Jr scored a brace in Real`s 5-0 Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk and with seven goals in 11 games this season, he has already improved on last season`s output, when he scored six times in 49 appearances.

Often criticised in years past for his poor finishing, Vinicius has improved under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, with his seven goals coming from only 17 attempts.

On Sunday, Vinicius will have the chance at the Camp Nou to keep silencing his critics.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-cristiano-ronaldo-saves-man-united-big-wins-for-chelsea-bayern-munich-422539">Champions League: Cristiano Ronaldo saves Man United; big wins for Chelsea, Bayern Munich</a>

Having shone against Barcelona the last time the sides met at Santiago Bernabeu in March 2020, with a superb goal, he will arrive on a mission and be difficult to stop.

Current LaLiga leaders, Real Sociedad, face champions Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Diego Simeone’s Atletico side are level with Real, Sevilla and Osasuna on 17 points, three behind the Basque team.

The surprise package of the season, Rayo Vallecano, will travel to Seville to play against Real Betis. Rayo are sixth in the table with 16 points, one more than seventh-placed Barcelona and Betis. 
&nbsp;

The first Barcelona v Real Madrid meeting after the departure of Lionel Messi to Paris St Germain will be headlined on Sunday by two youngsters as a game typically billed as a clash of superstars instead looks to the upcoming talent of Vinicius Jr and Ansu Fati.

The first Barcelona v Real Madrid meeting after the departure of Lionel Messi to Paris St Germain will be headlined on Sunday by two youngsters as a game typically billed as a clash of superstars instead looks to the upcoming talent of Vinicius Jr and Ansu Fati. The two players still have a lot to prove, but their talent has elevated them to a point where they are becoming the new faces of their clubs. On Barcelona's side, Fati has been one of the few positives in a season that started with the heartbreaking loss of Messi due to a financial crisis that also led to Antoine Griezmann rejoining Atletico Madrid. After being out for almost a year following a devastating injury to his left knee that required four surgeries, the 18-year-old Spain international returned to the side five games ago and has been Barca's best player since. He scored within 10 minutes of coming on as a substitute in his first game back against Levante and netted Barca`s first goal with a beauty from outside the box in a comeback victory over Valencia last Sunday. ALSO READ: Manchester United club owners keen on buying an IPL team: Report His efforts were rewarded on Wednesday when Barcelona announced that he had agreed a new contract that runs until 2027. The 18-year-old's new deal includes a buyout clause of 1 billion euros ($1.17 billion). Fati, who inherited Barcelona’s number 10 jersey from Messi, burst onto the scene for the club at 16, when he became the second youngest player in LaLiga history. He quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the world, becoming the youngest player to score in the Champions League and the youngest player to net for Spain. MAIN THREAT He is likely to provide Barcelona`s main threat alongside Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero, whose own comeback from a calf injury he suffered in pre-season continued with cameo appearances against Valencia and Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League on Wednesday. For Real Madrid, Karim Benzema is having probably the best season of his career and is a contender to win the Ballon D`or. He is LaLiga`s top scorer, with nine goals and seven assists, but despite the France international`s excellent form, the headlines in the Spanish capital this week were focused on his partner up front. The 21-year-old Brazilian Vinicius Jr scored a brace in Real`s 5-0 Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk and with seven goals in 11 games this season, he has already improved on last season`s output, when he scored six times in 49 appearances. Often criticised in years past for his poor finishing, Vinicius has improved under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, with his seven goals coming from only 17 attempts. On Sunday, Vinicius will have the chance at the Camp Nou to keep silencing his critics. ALSO READ | Champions League: Cristiano Ronaldo saves Man United; big wins for Chelsea, Bayern Munich Having shone against Barcelona the last time the sides met at Santiago Bernabeu in March 2020, with a superb goal, he will arrive on a mission and be difficult to stop. Current LaLiga leaders, Real Sociedad, face champions Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Diego Simeone’s Atletico side are level with Real, Sevilla and Osasuna on 17 points, three behind the Basque team. The surprise package of the season, Rayo Vallecano, will travel to Seville to play against Real Betis. Rayo are sixth in the table with 16 points, one more than seventh-placed Barcelona and Betis.

El Clasico: Lionel Messi's departure puts spotlight on rising stars Ansu Fati and Vinicius Jr

Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri equalled Lionel Messi with his 80th international strike against Nepal in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/saff-championship-india-lift-eighth-title-beat-nepal-3-0-in-final-421409">final clash of SAFF Championship</a> on Saturday (October 16). During the match that India won 3-0 for a record eighth title, Chhetri opened the scoring in the second half for Blue Tigers. It was his fifth goal in as many outings during this campaign to finish at the top of the scoring chart.&nbsp;

Now, the 37-year-old Chhetri has equalled Messi, becoming the second-highest goal-scorer in international football among active players. For India, Chhetri (49th minute), Suresh Singh (50th) and Sahal Abdul Samad (90th) were the goal scorers in this historic game.

India's sports minister Anurag Thakur congratulated Chhetri for achieving the feat. Taking to his official Twitter handle, Thakur wrote, "INDIA wins its 8th #SAFFChampionships2021 Title @chetrisunil11 scripts history as he equals Lionel Messi’s record of making 80 goals."

&nbsp;

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FULL-TIME ⌛️ 
 
🏆🏆🏆🏆C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N.S. 🏆🏆🏆🏆 
 
🇮🇳 3-0 🇳🇵 
 
✍️ <a href="https://t.co/Krscpgs4nu">https://t.co/Krscpgs4nu</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDNEP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDNEP</a> ⚔️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAFFChampionship2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAFFChampionship2021</a> 🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BackTheBlue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BackTheBlue</a> 💙 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianFootball</a> ⚽ <a href="https://t.co/bcZwgDxGHn">pic.twitter.com/bcZwgDxGHn</a>
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianFootball/status/1449418126299308032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueTigers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlueTigers</a> 🐯 win record eighth SAFF Championship 👑 
 
Read the full report 👉 <a href="https://t.co/m7BVNfteNs">https://t.co/m7BVNfteNs</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDNEP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDNEP</a> ⚔️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAFFChampionship2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAFFChampionship2021</a> 🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BackTheBlue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BackTheBlue</a> 💙 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianFootball</a> ⚽ <a href="https://t.co/gvg9jmDK4M">pic.twitter.com/gvg9jmDK4M</a>
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianFootball/status/1449437949771145217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🤩 That Champions Feeling! 🤩<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDNEP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDNEP</a> ⚔️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAFFChampionship2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAFFChampionship2021</a> 🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BackTheBlue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BackTheBlue</a> 💙 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueTigers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlueTigers</a> 🐯 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianFootball</a> ⚽ <a href="https://t.co/3K1yag5pFF">pic.twitter.com/3K1yag5pFF</a>
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SAFF Championship as a player ✅ 
SAFF Championship as a coach ✅ 
 
Just <a href="https://twitter.com/chetrisunil11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chetrisunil11</a> showing his appreciation for former <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueTigers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlueTigers</a> 🐯 captain &amp; current Assistant Coach Shanmugam Venkatesh 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDNEP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDNEP</a> ⚔️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAFFChampionship2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAFFChampionship2021</a> 🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BackTheBlue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BackTheBlue</a> 💙 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianFootball</a> ⚽ <a href="https://t.co/wQcksh2d7L">pic.twitter.com/wQcksh2d7L</a>
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India dominated possession in the first half but they failed to score any goal. However, captain Chhetri put India ahead minutes into the second half and even before Nepal could settle down, Suresh made it 2-0.

Sahal made it 3-0 when he tricked a few defenders after receiving the ball on the left flank at the stroke of the final whistle.

The final was the 12th for India in 13 editions, which also shows their domination in this regional tournament.

This is the Indian football team's first title triumph under head coach Igor Stimac, who faced criticism in recent times for his side's inability to win enough games.&nbsp;

Stimac also became the third foreign coach after Jiri Pesek (1993) and Stephen Constantine (2015) to clinch the title with the Indian team.

Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri equalled Lionel Messi with his 80th international strike against Nepal in the final clash of SAFF Championship on Saturday (October 16).

Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri equalled Lionel Messi with his 80th international strike against Nepal in the final clash of SAFF Championship on Saturday (October 16). During the match that India won 3-0 for a record eighth title, Chhetri opened the scoring in the second half for Blue Tigers. It was his fifth goal in as many outings during this campaign to finish at the top of the scoring chart. Now, the 37-year-old Chhetri has equalled Messi, becoming the second-highest goal-scorer in international football among active players. For India, Chhetri (49th minute), Suresh Singh (50th) and Sahal Abdul Samad (90th) were the goal scorers in this historic game. India's sports minister Anurag Thakur congratulated Chhetri for achieving the feat. Taking to his official Twitter handle, Thakur wrote, "INDIA wins its 8th #SAFFChampionships2021 Title @chetrisunil11 scripts history as he equals Lionel Messi’s record of making 80 goals." FULL-TIME ⌛️ 🏆🏆🏆🏆C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N.S. 🏆🏆🏆🏆 🇮🇳 3-0 🇳🇵 ✍️ https://t.co/Krscpgs4nu#INDNEP ⚔️ #SAFFChampionship2021 🏆 #BackTheBlue 💙 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/bcZwgDxGHn — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) October 16, 2021 × #BlueTigers 🐯 win record eighth SAFF Championship 👑 Read the full report 👉 https://t.co/m7BVNfteNs#INDNEP ⚔️ #SAFFChampionship2021 🏆 #BackTheBlue 💙 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/gvg9jmDK4M — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) October 16, 2021 × 🤩 That Champions Feeling! 🤩#INDNEP ⚔️ #SAFFChampionship2021 🏆 #BackTheBlue 💙 #BlueTigers 🐯 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/3K1yag5pFF — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) October 16, 2021 × SAFF Championship as a player ✅ SAFF Championship as a coach ✅ Just @chetrisunil11 showing his appreciation for former #BlueTigers 🐯 captain & current Assistant Coach Shanmugam Venkatesh 🙌#INDNEP ⚔️ #SAFFChampionship2021 🏆 #BackTheBlue 💙 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/wQcksh2d7L — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) October 16, 2021 × India dominated possession in the first half but they failed to score any goal. However, captain Chhetri put India ahead minutes into the second half and even before Nepal could settle down, Suresh made it 2-0. Sahal made it 3-0 when he tricked a few defenders after receiving the ball on the left flank at the stroke of the final whistle. The final was the 12th for India in 13 editions, which also shows their domination in this regional tournament. This is the Indian football team's first title triumph under head coach Igor Stimac, who faced criticism in recent times for his side's inability to win enough games. Stimac also became the third foreign coach after Jiri Pesek (1993) and Stephen Constantine (2015) to clinch the title with the Indian team.

Sunil Chhetri equals Lionel Messi as India win a record eighth SAFF Championship trophy

Sergio Aguero has expressed his thoughts on Lionel Messi's shocking exit from the La Liga club FC Barcelona as he revealed a personal chat with his international teammate. The 33-year-old striker also told how he tried to distract Messi when the news of departure was formally announced.&nbsp;

The Argentine striker joined Barcelona on a free transfer from Premier League club Manchester City in June and signed a two-year deal at Camp Nou, hoping that we would get a chance to play alongside his international teammate at club level.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-was-extremely-hard-to-take-lionel-messi-on-shocking-barcelona-exit-that-changed-his-plans-419455">'It was extremely hard to take': Lionel Messi on shocking Barcelona exit that 'changed' his plans</a>

However, in a shocking turn of events, Messi had to leave Barcelona due to "financial and structural obstacles" over the renewal of the deal and in the same window. Days later, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain. On being asked about Messi's departure from the Spanish club, Aguero told El Pais, "It was a moment of shock. He was very bad. When I found out I couldn't believe it."&nbsp;

"That Saturday I went to see him at his house. And, because of my personality, since I couldn't see it well, I tried to make him forget what had happened. I saw that he was half off and was trying to distract him. I was telling him about my Esports team and the things we were doing," the striker added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/like-a-funeral-arsene-wenger-opens-up-on-arsenal-exit-in-new-documentary-420733">'Like a funeral': Arsene Wenger opens up on Arsenal exit in new documentary</a>

After Messi's exit, rumours started to float that Aguero could follow his international teammate out the door. Aguero was also asked whether he has regrets about signing for Barca, to which the Argentine replied, "No. Let's be honest. What player does not want to be at Barça? I would tell you that most footballers would like to wear this shirt, no matter how good or bad Barça is."

"I arrived with the expectation of playing with Leo and that a good team would be put together, which is what the club was trying to do. When they called me, I thought: 'I don't care what they pay me. I'm doing well and I'm going to help the team as much as I can,'" he added.&nbsp;

Sergio Aguero has expressed his thoughts on Lionel Messi's shocking exit from the La Liga club FC Barcelona as he revealed a personal chat with his international teammate.

Sergio Aguero has expressed his thoughts on Lionel Messi's shocking exit from the La Liga club FC Barcelona as he revealed a personal chat with his international teammate. The 33-year-old striker also told how he tried to distract Messi when the news of departure was formally announced. The Argentine striker joined Barcelona on a free transfer from Premier League club Manchester City in June and signed a two-year deal at Camp Nou, hoping that we would get a chance to play alongside his international teammate at club level. ALSO READ | 'It was extremely hard to take': Lionel Messi on shocking Barcelona exit that 'changed' his plans However, in a shocking turn of events, Messi had to leave Barcelona due to "financial and structural obstacles" over the renewal of the deal and in the same window. Days later, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain. On being asked about Messi's departure from the Spanish club, Aguero told El Pais, "It was a moment of shock. He was very bad. When I found out I couldn't believe it." "That Saturday I went to see him at his house. And, because of my personality, since I couldn't see it well, I tried to make him forget what had happened. I saw that he was half off and was trying to distract him. I was telling him about my Esports team and the things we were doing," the striker added. ALSO READ | 'Like a funeral': Arsene Wenger opens up on Arsenal exit in new documentary After Messi's exit, rumours started to float that Aguero could follow his international teammate out the door. Aguero was also asked whether he has regrets about signing for Barca, to which the Argentine replied, "No. Let's be honest. What player does not want to be at Barça? I would tell you that most footballers would like to wear this shirt, no matter how good or bad Barça is." "I arrived with the expectation of playing with Leo and that a good team would be put together, which is what the club was trying to do. When they called me, I thought: 'I don't care what they pay me. I'm doing well and I'm going to help the team as much as I can,'" he added.

'He was very bad': Sergio Aguero opens up on Lionel Messi's reaction over shocking Barcelona exit

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are all set to battle it out once again after being nominated for the prestigious Ballon d'Or honour this year. The coveted individual prize is awarded by France Football to the best player of the year in terms of performances and trophies won. The award was not handed out last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is back this year and the winner will be announced on November 29.

The Ballon d'Or is considered one of the most prestigious individual honours in world football and remains a dream for professional footballers around the globe. Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the awards over the years, claiming as many as eleven honours between them so far. While six-time winner Messi holds the record for winning most Ballon d'Ors, Ronaldo has won it a staggering five times.

However, the two football icons might not be the favourites when it comes to clinching the Ballon d'Or this year. Both Messi and Ronaldo failed to inspire their respective clubs to league titles last season as Inter Milan pipped Juventus to win the Serie A while Atletico Madrid left Barcelona behind to win the La Liga title.

Nonetheless, Messi inspired Argentina to a magnificent Copa America triumph to also bring an end to his international trophy drought. He remains one of the top contenders for the Ballon d'Or 2021 but is all set to face intense competition from some other stars, who enjoyed a stellar season with their club and country.

Here we take a look at 4 players who can pip Messi and Ronaldo to win Ballon d'Or 2021:

1) Jorginho (Chelsea)&nbsp;

One of the favourites, if not the favourite for a shock win at Ballon d'Or 2021. Chelsea midfielder Jorginho enjoyed a stunning season with the Blues. He was instrumental in helping Chelsea win the Champions League title and the UEFA Super Cup before inspiring Italy to a magnificent triumph at the Euro 2020. The Italian midfielder was at the heart of Chelsea's tremendous success last season and has emerged as one of the top contenders for Ballon d'Or 2021.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ballon-dor-2021-nominees-ronaldo-messi-and-jorginho-in-contention-for-prestigious-award-check-full-list-419333">Ballon d'Or 2021 nominees - Ronaldo, Messi and Jorginho in contention for prestigious award; check full list</a>

2)&nbsp;Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Kevin De Bruyne has been one of the most consistent performers for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. The Belgian midfielder scored 12 goals and produced 13 assists for City across competitions, helping them win the Premier League and the Carabao Cup last season. He has been one of the best players in the Premier League for a few years now and might bag a podium finish at the Ballon d'Or 2021 awards.

3) Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

Many believe Robert Lewandowski was robbed of a chance to win his maiden Ballon d'Or last season when the award was scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Lewandowski was at it once again, scoring a stunning 50 goals for Bayern across all competitions. He fires Bayern to the Bundesliga and the Club World Cup title while also producing eight assists. The Polish striker also won the Golden Boot for being the highest scorer in Europe last season.

4)&nbsp;N'Golo Kante (Chelsea)

Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante has been one of the best players in the Premier League since arriving from Leicester City in 2016. Kante was a force to reckon with in the Chelsea midfield as he helped the club clinch the Champions League last season. Despite having fitness issues, he was one of the best performers for his club and class bag the Man of the Match award in the Champions League final against Manchester City.&nbsp;

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are all set to battle it out once again after being nominated for the prestigious Ballon d'Or honour this year. The coveted individual prize is awarded by France Football to the best player of the year in terms of performances and trophies won.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are all set to battle it out once again after being nominated for the prestigious Ballon d'Or honour this year. The coveted individual prize is awarded by France Football to the best player of the year in terms of performances and trophies won. The award was not handed out last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is back this year and the winner will be announced on November 29. The Ballon d'Or is considered one of the most prestigious individual honours in world football and remains a dream for professional footballers around the globe. Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the awards over the years, claiming as many as eleven honours between them so far. While six-time winner Messi holds the record for winning most Ballon d'Ors, Ronaldo has won it a staggering five times. However, the two football icons might not be the favourites when it comes to clinching the Ballon d'Or this year. Both Messi and Ronaldo failed to inspire their respective clubs to league titles last season as Inter Milan pipped Juventus to win the Serie A while Atletico Madrid left Barcelona behind to win the La Liga title. Nonetheless, Messi inspired Argentina to a magnificent Copa America triumph to also bring an end to his international trophy drought. He remains one of the top contenders for the Ballon d'Or 2021 but is all set to face intense competition from some other stars, who enjoyed a stellar season with their club and country. Here we take a look at 4 players who can pip Messi and Ronaldo to win Ballon d'Or 2021: 1) Jorginho (Chelsea) One of the favourites, if not the favourite for a shock win at Ballon d'Or 2021. Chelsea midfielder Jorginho enjoyed a stunning season with the Blues. He was instrumental in helping Chelsea win the Champions League title and the UEFA Super Cup before inspiring Italy to a magnificent triumph at the Euro 2020. The Italian midfielder was at the heart of Chelsea's tremendous success last season and has emerged as one of the top contenders for Ballon d'Or 2021. Also Read: Ballon d'Or 2021 nominees - Ronaldo, Messi and Jorginho in contention for prestigious award; check full list 2) Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) Kevin De Bruyne has been one of the most consistent performers for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. The Belgian midfielder scored 12 goals and produced 13 assists for City across competitions, helping them win the Premier League and the Carabao Cup last season. He has been one of the best players in the Premier League for a few years now and might bag a podium finish at the Ballon d'Or 2021 awards. 3) Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich) Many believe Robert Lewandowski was robbed of a chance to win his maiden Ballon d'Or last season when the award was scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Lewandowski was at it once again, scoring a stunning 50 goals for Bayern across all competitions. He fires Bayern to the Bundesliga and the Club World Cup title while also producing eight assists. The Polish striker also won the Golden Boot for being the highest scorer in Europe last season. 4) N'Golo Kante (Chelsea) Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante has been one of the best players in the Premier League since arriving from Leicester City in 2016. Kante was a force to reckon with in the Chelsea midfield as he helped the club clinch the Champions League last season. Despite having fitness issues, he was one of the best performers for his club and class bag the Man of the Match award in the Champions League final against Manchester City.

4 players who can pip Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo to claim maiden Ballon d'Or honour this year

Lionel Messi, who is considered as the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or award this year, revealed who he will vote for after France Football announced the names of 30 shortlisted players on Friday (October 8).

Lionel Messi, who is considered as the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or award this year, revealed who he will vote for after France Football announced the names of 30 shortlisted players on Friday (October 8). Six-time winner Messi and five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo are on the list. Apart from the serial favourites, the competition includes Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Karim Benzema, Jorginho and N'Golo Kante who are also considered as leading runners. However, Messi revealed his Ballon d’Or vote as he was quoted by France Football saying, "In my team, there are two for whom I will easily vote: Ney & Kylian. And then Lewandowski, who has just had a great year. There's also Benzema who has been excellent." ALSO READ | 'It was extremely hard to take': Lionel Messi on shocking Barcelona exit that 'changed' his plans The prestigious award was not handed out in 2020 due to the pandemic. There are also 20 women in the running for their own prize to be announced in Paris on November 29. French champions PSG can boast Messi, a winner in the Copa America this summer, and teammates Mbappe and Neymar who last season took the ambitious club to the Champions League last four. England, the Euro 2020 finalists, are represented by Harry Kane, Mason Mount, Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling. ALSO READ | COVID-19 'conspiracy theories' influence some players, says England coach Gareth Southgate Among the women, 2019 winner Megan Rapinoe, whose United States team were knocked out of the Olympics in the quarter-finals, was missing from the nominations. Christine Sinclair, of Olympic gold medal winning Canada, is in the running. Champions League winners Barcelona are represented by Alexia Putellas, already voted UEFA's best player, and Jennifer Hermoso, joint top-scorer in the Champions League. (With inputs from agencies)

Lionel Messi reveals his Ballon d'Or 2021 vote, says 'there are two for whom I will easily vote'

Football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have once again been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award for the year 2021. Messi and Ronaldo feature in the 30-man shortlist announced by France Football for the award along with the likes of Jorginho, Robert Lewandowski and Kylian Mbappe among others, who are also favourites for the individual honour.

Six-time winner Messi and Ronaldo, a five-time holder, have dominated world football for over a decade and have shared as many as eleven Ballon d'Or trophies between them. Messi was the last player to win the Ballon d'Or award in 2019 as it was not handed out in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho and N'Golo Kante, who were instrumental in their side's success in the Champions League are among the favourites to claim the prestigious award this season. Chelsea had defeated Manchester City in the final to win the Champions League last season.

Lewandowski, who was the top scorer in Europe last season with a staggering 41 goals has also been nominated for the award. Messi led Argentina to a Copa America win this summer and also ended his trophy drought in international football. However, he failed to win both the La Liga and the Champion League with Barcelona before leaving the club for PSG ahead of the ongoing season.

Ronaldo too failed to win the Serie A with his former club Juventus last season but has been nominated for the prestigious award. He also failed to inspire Portugal to a successful Euro title defence this year. Ronaldo had finished behind winner Messi and Liverpool's Virgil Van Dijk in the 2019 Ballon d'Or award.

Here is the complete list of Ballon d'Or 2021 nominees:&nbsp;

Cristiano Ronaldo

Kylian Mbappe

Lionel Messi

Luka Modric

Robert Lewandowski

Romelu Lukaku

Riyad Mahrez

Lautaro Martinez

Mason Mount

Gerard Moreno

Cesar Azpilicueta

Nicolo Barella

Karim Benzema

Leonardo Bonucci

Giorgio Chiellini

Kevin De Bruyne

Ruben Dias&nbsp;

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Bruno Fernandes

Phil Foden

Erling Haaland

Jorginho

Harry Kane

N'Golo Kante

Simon Kjaer

Neymar

Pedri

Mohamed Salah

Raheem Sterling&nbsp;

Luis Suarez

<h2>Ballon d'Or Feminin - 20 in contention</h2>

France Football have announced 20 nominees for the Ballon d'Or Feminin award. US star Megan Rapinoe missed out on the nominations this time around with Sam Mewis making the cut as the only American on the list. The likes of Sam Kerr, Vivianne Miedema and Pernille Harder are among the favourites to win the women's award this year. UEFA Women's Player of the Year Alexia Putellas has also been nominated.

Check out the full list of nominations:

Alexia Putellas

Magdalena Eriksson

Marie-Antoinette Katoto

Sam Kerr&nbsp;

Stina Blackstenius

Wendie Renard

Samantha Mewis

Pernille Harder

Vivianne Miedema

Sandra Panos

Lieke Martens

Jessie Fleming

Irene Paredes

Ashley Lawrence

Christine Sinclair

Ellen White&nbsp;

Christiane Endler

Jennifer Hermoso

Fran Kirby

Kadidiatou Diani

Football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have once again been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award for the year 2021. Messi and Ronaldo feature in the 30-man shortlist announced by France Football for the award along with the likes of Jorginho, Robert Lewandowski and Kylian Mbappe among others, who are also favourites for the individual honour.

Football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have once again been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award for the year 2021. Messi and Ronaldo feature in the 30-man shortlist announced by France Football for the award along with the likes of Jorginho, Robert Lewandowski and Kylian Mbappe among others, who are also favourites for the individual honour. Six-time winner Messi and Ronaldo, a five-time holder, have dominated world football for over a decade and have shared as many as eleven Ballon d'Or trophies between them. Messi was the last player to win the Ballon d'Or award in 2019 as it was not handed out in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Chelsea midfielder Jorginho and N'Golo Kante, who were instrumental in their side's success in the Champions League are among the favourites to claim the prestigious award this season. Chelsea had defeated Manchester City in the final to win the Champions League last season. Lewandowski, who was the top scorer in Europe last season with a staggering 41 goals has also been nominated for the award. Messi led Argentina to a Copa America win this summer and also ended his trophy drought in international football. However, he failed to win both the La Liga and the Champion League with Barcelona before leaving the club for PSG ahead of the ongoing season. Ronaldo too failed to win the Serie A with his former club Juventus last season but has been nominated for the prestigious award. He also failed to inspire Portugal to a successful Euro title defence this year. Ronaldo had finished behind winner Messi and Liverpool's Virgil Van Dijk in the 2019 Ballon d'Or award. Here is the complete list of Ballon d'Or 2021 nominees: Cristiano Ronaldo Kylian Mbappe Lionel Messi Luka Modric Robert Lewandowski Romelu Lukaku Riyad Mahrez Lautaro Martinez Mason Mount Gerard Moreno Cesar Azpilicueta Nicolo Barella Karim Benzema Leonardo Bonucci Giorgio Chiellini Kevin De Bruyne Ruben Dias Gianluigi Donnarumma Bruno Fernandes Phil Foden Erling Haaland Jorginho Harry Kane N'Golo Kante Simon Kjaer Neymar Pedri Mohamed Salah Raheem Sterling Luis Suarez Ballon d'Or Feminin - 20 in contention France Football have announced 20 nominees for the Ballon d'Or Feminin award. US star Megan Rapinoe missed out on the nominations this time around with Sam Mewis making the cut as the only American on the list. The likes of Sam Kerr, Vivianne Miedema and Pernille Harder are among the favourites to win the women's award this year. UEFA Women's Player of the Year Alexia Putellas has also been nominated. Check out the full list of nominations: Alexia Putellas Magdalena Eriksson Marie-Antoinette Katoto Sam Kerr Stina Blackstenius Wendie Renard Samantha Mewis Pernille Harder Vivianne Miedema Sandra Panos Lieke Martens Jessie Fleming Irene Paredes Ashley Lawrence Christine Sinclair Ellen White Christiane Endler Jennifer Hermoso Fran Kirby Kadidiatou Diani

Ballon d'Or 2021 nominees: Ronaldo, Messi and Jorginho in contention for prestigious award; check full list

Lionel Messi was supposed to sign a new five-year contract with La Liga giants FC Barcelona after his deal ran out at the end of June this year — a club that he had joined aged 13.

Lionel Messi was supposed to sign a new five-year contract with La Liga giants FC Barcelona after his deal ran out at the end of June this year — a club that he had joined aged 13. However, in a bizarre turn of events, Messi had to leave the Spanish club due to "financial and structural obstacles" over the renewal of the deal. Messi's extremely emotional farewell to his boyhood club was proof that he didn't want to leave Barca this past summer as he himself had said that he "never imagined leaving" and especially not the way it happened. But the Argentina forward said familiar faces have helped him to settle at Paris St Germain, a French club that he joined on a two-year contract. ALSO READ | COVID-19 'conspiracy theories' influence some players, says England coach Gareth Southgate "I came back to Barcelona (from the Copa America in July) to prepare for the season, after taking advantage of the extra days of vacation that the coach (Ronald Koeman) had given me," Messi told France Football in an interview released on Saturday (October 9). "I had in mind to sign my contract and to start training right away. I thought that everything was settled and that all that was missing was my signature (on the contract). "But when I arrived in Barcelona, I was told that it was no longer possible, that I could not stay and that I had to find another club, because Barca could not afford to extend my contract. That changed my plans. "It was extremely hard to take. To think that we would have to leave our home and that the family would have to change its routine," added the six-times Ballon d'Or winner. Messi is Barcelona's all-time top scorer and appearance maker with 672 goals in 778 games in all competitions. Messi and Neymar reunion at PSG After joining PSG, Messi was reunited with Neymar, as he and the Brazilian played together for four seasons at Barcelona from 2013-17, and joined compatriots Leandro Paredes and Angel Di Maria and coach Mauricio Pochettino, also an Argentine. "That was a big part of my decision because I knew I was coming to a new country and had to start from scratch. Knowing that I had friends in the dressing room made me think that things would be easier to adapt to," said Messi. "And I was not wrong, because it was very easy to settle, especially because there are many players who speak Spanish, like me, and some friends like 'Ney', 'Lea' (Paredes), 'Fideo' (Di Maria), who helped me when I arrived." ALSO READ | Marcus Rashford receives honorary doctorate from University of Manchester - See pics Messi forms, with Neymar and France striker Kylian Mbappe, one of the most formidable attacking lineups in the world, but he is aware they need to work on finding the perfect balance. While Neymar and Messi have known each other for years, the Argentine and France striker Mbappe still need to build a relationship. "With a player like him, it's easy to get along. Also, Kylian speaks perfect Spanish, so we have good exchanges off the pitch as well," said Messi, who has so far scored one goal in five appearances in all competitions for PSG. "It makes things easier. Now, I've only been here a short time, so it's still a bit early to draw conclusions. But I'm sure it will work out well." (With inputs from agencies)

'It was extremely hard to take': Lionel Messi on shocking Barcelona exit that 'changed' his plans

Rennes scored just before and after the break to beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 and hand the runaway league leader its first defeat of the season. Gaetan Laborde put Rennes ahead on the stroke of halftime after PSG star Lionel Messi had hit the crossbar with a free kick in the 31st minute. Laborde turned provider in the 46th for midfielder Flavien Tait.

We played a very physical game and we hurt them on each of our runs,? Tait said. ?They were missing something today. PSG won its opening eight games but needed injury-time goals to edge victories against Lyon and Metz.

The first person responsible is me,? PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino said after he was outwitted by Rennes coach Bruno Genesio. PSG is six points ahead of second-placed Lens and eight clear of third-placed Nice, which has played one game less.

Rennes has been a tough place to visit for PSG in recent seasons and was again so for different reasons. 
Because of heavy wind and rain, the team was unable to fly to Brittany on Saturday night and arrived at the stadium by coach and car.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi, who scored a brilliant first goal for PSG in the Champions League on Tuesday, had a shot blocked early on. He hit the crossbar with a free kick for the second time since joining PSG in a shock move from Barcelona, where he netted 672 goals.

Although he still awaits his first league goal for PSG, Messi set up Mbappe midway through the first half ? but the shot was scuffed ? and almost created a goal for Neymar.

PSG was punished when Ghana winger Kamaldeen Sulemana picked out Laborde for his league-leading sixth goal. 
Mbappe pounced midway through the second half after Messi and Angel Di Maria put him through, but the goal was ruled out after a video review showed Mbappe was offside.

Laborde won a late penalty but it was called off following a review. In the late game, last-placed Saint-Etienne scored an injury-time penalty to tie bitter local rival Lyon 1-1. Tunisia forward Wahbi Khazri's spot kick for the hosts in the fifth minute of stoppage time came when video review detected a handball by Lyon defender Jason Denayer.

Khazri's goal led to a brief invasion of the field by home fans, but the game quickly resumed and concluded. 
Midtable Lyon missed the chance to go fifth while Saint-Etienne has just four points and is yet to win.

Lyon finished with 10 players after goalkeeper Anthony Lopes was sent off in the 74th for handling the ball outside the penalty area when striker Denis Bouanga lobbed him. 
Khazri scored in the 33rd but his effort was offside.

Lyon had punished Saint-Etienne when midfielder Houssem Aouar finished off Lucas Paqueta's pass in the 42nd. Former Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri netted shortly after but his effort was disallowed because Paqueta was offside.

The second half was halted for a few minutes after Khazri accidentally kicked Lopes in the head reaching for the ball. 
Marseille earlier lost 2-0 at defending champion Lille with Marseille fans mourning the loss of iconic former president Bernard Tapie, who died on Sunday morning from cancer. He was 78.

Marseille fans erected a giant portrait of Tapie in front of their home stadium Stade Velodrome as tearful fans paid respects.

Lille and Marseille fans joined together in a moment's applause before the game as a picture of Tapie was beamed on the stadium scoreboard. Marseille players wore black armbands.

Canada forward Jonathan David scored twice and his second goal deep into injury time was set up by the United States forward Timothy Weah, the son of Liberia president George Weah.

Marseille finished with 10 players after Turkey winger Cengiz Under was sent off in the 77th for a high tackle. Marseille dropped to fifth place behind Angers as improving Lille moved up to eighth. 
 
Angers beat Metz 3-2 with 17-year-old forward Mohamed-Ali Cho among the scorers. 
Monaco's resurgence continued as it beat Bordeaux 3-0 to move up to sixth place and ninth-place Nantes beat Troyes 2-0.

Erik-Palmer Brown, a 24-year-old American defender, made his debut for Troyes following a loan from Manchester City.

Rennes scored just before and after the break to beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 and hand the runaway league leader its first defeat of the season. Gaetan Laborde put Rennes ahead on the stroke of halftime after PSG star Lionel Messi had hit the crossbar with a free kick in the 31st minute.

Rennes scored just before and after the break to beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 and hand the runaway league leader its first defeat of the season. Gaetan Laborde put Rennes ahead on the stroke of halftime after PSG star Lionel Messi had hit the crossbar with a free kick in the 31st minute. Laborde turned provider in the 46th for midfielder Flavien Tait. We played a very physical game and we hurt them on each of our runs,? Tait said. ?They were missing something today. PSG won its opening eight games but needed injury-time goals to edge victories against Lyon and Metz. The first person responsible is me,? PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino said after he was outwitted by Rennes coach Bruno Genesio. PSG is six points ahead of second-placed Lens and eight clear of third-placed Nice, which has played one game less. Rennes has been a tough place to visit for PSG in recent seasons and was again so for different reasons. Because of heavy wind and rain, the team was unable to fly to Brittany on Saturday night and arrived at the stadium by coach and car. The six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi, who scored a brilliant first goal for PSG in the Champions League on Tuesday, had a shot blocked early on. He hit the crossbar with a free kick for the second time since joining PSG in a shock move from Barcelona, where he netted 672 goals. Although he still awaits his first league goal for PSG, Messi set up Mbappe midway through the first half ? but the shot was scuffed ? and almost created a goal for Neymar. PSG was punished when Ghana winger Kamaldeen Sulemana picked out Laborde for his league-leading sixth goal. Mbappe pounced midway through the second half after Messi and Angel Di Maria put him through, but the goal was ruled out after a video review showed Mbappe was offside. Laborde won a late penalty but it was called off following a review. In the late game, last-placed Saint-Etienne scored an injury-time penalty to tie bitter local rival Lyon 1-1. Tunisia forward Wahbi Khazri's spot kick for the hosts in the fifth minute of stoppage time came when video review detected a handball by Lyon defender Jason Denayer. Khazri's goal led to a brief invasion of the field by home fans, but the game quickly resumed and concluded. Midtable Lyon missed the chance to go fifth while Saint-Etienne has just four points and is yet to win. Lyon finished with 10 players after goalkeeper Anthony Lopes was sent off in the 74th for handling the ball outside the penalty area when striker Denis Bouanga lobbed him. Khazri scored in the 33rd but his effort was offside. Lyon had punished Saint-Etienne when midfielder Houssem Aouar finished off Lucas Paqueta's pass in the 42nd. Former Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri netted shortly after but his effort was disallowed because Paqueta was offside. The second half was halted for a few minutes after Khazri accidentally kicked Lopes in the head reaching for the ball. Marseille earlier lost 2-0 at defending champion Lille with Marseille fans mourning the loss of iconic former president Bernard Tapie, who died on Sunday morning from cancer. He was 78. Marseille fans erected a giant portrait of Tapie in front of their home stadium Stade Velodrome as tearful fans paid respects. Lille and Marseille fans joined together in a moment's applause before the game as a picture of Tapie was beamed on the stadium scoreboard. Marseille players wore black armbands. Canada forward Jonathan David scored twice and his second goal deep into injury time was set up by the United States forward Timothy Weah, the son of Liberia president George Weah. Marseille finished with 10 players after Turkey winger Cengiz Under was sent off in the 77th for a high tackle. Marseille dropped to fifth place behind Angers as improving Lille moved up to eighth. Angers beat Metz 3-2 with 17-year-old forward Mohamed-Ali Cho among the scorers. Monaco's resurgence continued as it beat Bordeaux 3-0 to move up to sixth place and ninth-place Nantes beat Troyes 2-0. Erik-Palmer Brown, a 24-year-old American defender, made his debut for Troyes following a loan from Manchester City.

Lionel Messi blanks as Rennes beat PSG 2-0 to hand league leader its 1st defeat in Ligue 1

It was a moment that Paris Saint-Germain fans had been waiting for since the arrival of Lionel Messi in mid-August, and finally it came in style and on a big occasion. 
 
In front of nearly 50,000 home supporters on Tuesday, the Argentine superstar scored his first goal for his new club, helping the Ligue 1 giants take a 2-0 revenge over English Premier League champions Manchester City, to whom they lost in the semifinals of last season`s Champions League. 
 
The 34-year-old forward sparked in the 74 minutes, running the ball into the front and after a good one-two with Kylian Mbappe, he found the net with his iconic left-foot strike. 
 
The goal sent the packed Parc des Princes into raptures with deafening roars hovering over the stadium and the crowd chanted by the scorer`s name, Xinhua reports. 
 
"It was a perfect night against a great opponent. For us, it was very important to win this game after Brugge," said Messi, who has played three matches for PSG before this week but failed to open his scoring account. 
 
"I am very happy to have scored. I haven`t played much recently," Messi added. "I am adapting little by little. What is important is to keep winning." 
 
It was Messi`s 121st goal in the Champions League and 27th in 35 appearances against the English teams - far more than any other player. With this goal, the six-time Ballon d`Or winner has scored in 17 consecutive Champions League seasons, equalling a record set by Karim Benzema just minutes earlier in another clash. 
 
"I`ve spent 20 years watching him score goals from the other side of the opposite pavement and it`s the first time he scores for a team I manage so I had to celebrate," PSG`s head coach Mauricio Pochettino said. 
 
"You need this type of performance and players like him need to feel the back of the net. He needs to create links within the team after 20 years in Barcelona. He`s feeling different things, there`s a lot of new feelings for him." 
 
French midfielder Idrissa Gueye put the hosts ahead only eight minutes into the game. Mbappe dribbled from the right and Neymar missed his cutback, but Gueye appeared in the right place and fired the ball into the top corner. 
 
Pep Guardiola`s side was close to an equalizer in the 26th minute but Raheem Sterling`s header was refused by the bar and Bernardo Silva`s shot hit the woodwork again. 
 
"They can take the space, they are exceptional players, like Messi-Suarez-Neymar at Barca," Guardiola said after the match, which was City`s first Champions League group defeat since September 2018, when they lost 2-1 to Lyon, before an 18-game unbeaten run. 
 
"It`s hard to control Messi for 90 minutes. It is difficult to stop him and we had to minimize the opportunities for him to touch the ball. Tonight we did what we know how to do, good or bad, but we are what we are. Tonight there was also Verratti who was extraordinary and managed to find connections with Neymar."

It was a moment that Paris Saint-Germain fans had been waiting for since the arrival of Lionel Messi in mid-August, and finally it came in style and on a big occasion.

It was a moment that Paris Saint-Germain fans had been waiting for since the arrival of Lionel Messi in mid-August, and finally it came in style and on a big occasion. In front of nearly 50,000 home supporters on Tuesday, the Argentine superstar scored his first goal for his new club, helping the Ligue 1 giants take a 2-0 revenge over English Premier League champions Manchester City, to whom they lost in the semifinals of last season`s Champions League. The 34-year-old forward sparked in the 74 minutes, running the ball into the front and after a good one-two with Kylian Mbappe, he found the net with his iconic left-foot strike. The goal sent the packed Parc des Princes into raptures with deafening roars hovering over the stadium and the crowd chanted by the scorer`s name, Xinhua reports. "It was a perfect night against a great opponent. For us, it was very important to win this game after Brugge," said Messi, who has played three matches for PSG before this week but failed to open his scoring account. "I am very happy to have scored. I haven`t played much recently," Messi added. "I am adapting little by little. What is important is to keep winning." It was Messi`s 121st goal in the Champions League and 27th in 35 appearances against the English teams - far more than any other player. With this goal, the six-time Ballon d`Or winner has scored in 17 consecutive Champions League seasons, equalling a record set by Karim Benzema just minutes earlier in another clash. "I`ve spent 20 years watching him score goals from the other side of the opposite pavement and it`s the first time he scores for a team I manage so I had to celebrate," PSG`s head coach Mauricio Pochettino said. "You need this type of performance and players like him need to feel the back of the net. He needs to create links within the team after 20 years in Barcelona. He`s feeling different things, there`s a lot of new feelings for him." French midfielder Idrissa Gueye put the hosts ahead only eight minutes into the game. Mbappe dribbled from the right and Neymar missed his cutback, but Gueye appeared in the right place and fired the ball into the top corner. Pep Guardiola`s side was close to an equalizer in the 26th minute but Raheem Sterling`s header was refused by the bar and Bernardo Silva`s shot hit the woodwork again. "They can take the space, they are exceptional players, like Messi-Suarez-Neymar at Barca," Guardiola said after the match, which was City`s first Champions League group defeat since September 2018, when they lost 2-1 to Lyon, before an 18-game unbeaten run. "It`s hard to control Messi for 90 minutes. It is difficult to stop him and we had to minimize the opportunities for him to touch the ball. Tonight we did what we know how to do, good or bad, but we are what we are. Tonight there was also Verratti who was extraordinary and managed to find connections with Neymar."

Lionel Messi scores maiden goal as PSG take sweet revenge on Man City in Champions League

Lionel Messi is expected to play in Paris St Germain`s Champions League clash against Manchester City on Tuesday after taking part in a training session. The Argentine forward missed two Ligue 1 games with a bruised knee but did not appear to be struggling with the injury on Monday morning.

"We will confirm the starting 11 tomorrow," coach Mauricio Pochettino told a news conference when asked about Messi ahead of the Group A clash at the Parc des Princes.

"But I think he will be in the squad tomorrow."

Pochettino added that Messi, who joined the French club on a two-year contract from Barcelona, would need time to adjust in Paris.

"He did 20 years in Barcelona, it`s normal he felt at home there and here, everything is new for him. He did not arrive a long time ago," the Argentine said.

Pochettino also confirmed that Marco Verratti would probably be involved after the Italy midfielder missed four games with a knee injury.

"He trained well the last few days and we think he will be able to be in the squad. We haven`t decided on the starting 11 but he could be in it," he said.

PSG were knocked out in the Champions League semi-finals last season by City, a club that is "ahead" of the capital side, Pochettino conceded.

"It`s a fact, not an opinion, that we are a team in construction. City have been under the best coach in the world in my opinion with Pep Guardiola," he said.

"It`s a matter of time but also, let`s face it, of investment."

In that department, PSG have nothing to envy City for after spending well over a billion euros on transfers since Qatar Sport Investment took over the club in 2011. On the field, they need to be more efficient, midfielder Ander Herrera said.

"We work everyday to get better, we need to be more efficient than last season," the Spaniard, who has been in good form this season, told a news conference.

"Against a team like them, we have to go for the kill when we have chances."

PSG have one point after their 1-1 draw at Club Brugge, two behind City who hammered RB Leipzig 6-3 in the opening round of matches.

Lionel Messi is expected to play in Paris St Germain`s Champions League clash against Manchester City on Tuesday after taking part in a training session. The Argentine forward missed two Ligue 1 games with a bruised knee but did not appear to be struggling with the injury on Monday morning.

Lionel Messi is expected to play in Paris St Germain`s Champions League clash against Manchester City on Tuesday after taking part in a training session. The Argentine forward missed two Ligue 1 games with a bruised knee but did not appear to be struggling with the injury on Monday morning. "We will confirm the starting 11 tomorrow," coach Mauricio Pochettino told a news conference when asked about Messi ahead of the Group A clash at the Parc des Princes. "But I think he will be in the squad tomorrow." Pochettino added that Messi, who joined the French club on a two-year contract from Barcelona, would need time to adjust in Paris. "He did 20 years in Barcelona, it`s normal he felt at home there and here, everything is new for him. He did not arrive a long time ago," the Argentine said. Pochettino also confirmed that Marco Verratti would probably be involved after the Italy midfielder missed four games with a knee injury. "He trained well the last few days and we think he will be able to be in the squad. We haven`t decided on the starting 11 but he could be in it," he said. PSG were knocked out in the Champions League semi-finals last season by City, a club that is "ahead" of the capital side, Pochettino conceded. "It`s a fact, not an opinion, that we are a team in construction. City have been under the best coach in the world in my opinion with Pep Guardiola," he said. "It`s a matter of time but also, let`s face it, of investment." In that department, PSG have nothing to envy City for after spending well over a billion euros on transfers since Qatar Sport Investment took over the club in 2011. On the field, they need to be more efficient, midfielder Ander Herrera said. "We work everyday to get better, we need to be more efficient than last season," the Spaniard, who has been in good form this season, told a news conference. "Against a team like them, we have to go for the kill when we have chances." PSG have one point after their 1-1 draw at Club Brugge, two behind City who hammered RB Leipzig 6-3 in the opening round of matches.

Champions League: Lionel Messi should be in PSG squad for Man City game, says manager Mauricio Pochettino

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta in top 10 world's highest-paid footballers

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has reclaimed top spot in the list of the world`s highest-paid soccer players from Lionel Messi, according to Forbes. Ronaldo, 36, rejoined United from Juventus in August after 12 years away, while Messi has swapped boyhood club Barcelona to join Paris St Germain. 
 
Forbes said Ronaldo, among the world`s most popular athletes with over 500 million followers across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, is set to make $125 million before taxes in the 2021-22 season, with $70 million coming from salary and bonuses at United. 
 
The rest will come from endorsements and partnerships with brands including Nike, Herbalife, Clear and his CR7 brand. 
 
Messi, who topped last year`s list, will be paid a salary of $75 million with an additional $35 million from endorsements for total expected earnings of $110 million. 
 
The Argentine`s strike partner at PSG Neymar, who in May signed a new contract until 2025, is third on the list with total earnings of $95 million. 
 
Another PSG player, Kylian Mbappe ($43 million), is fourth on the Forbes list while Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah ($41 million) is fifth. 
 
Top 10 highest earners in soccer: 
 
Cristiano Ronaldo - $125 million 
 
Lionel Messi - $110 million 
 
Neymar - $95 million 
 
Kylian Mbappe - $43 million 
 
Mohamed Salah - $41 million 
 
Robert Lewandowski - $35 million 
 
Andres Iniesta - $35 million 
 
Paul Pogba - $34 million 
 
Gareth Bale - $32 million 
 
Eden Hazard - $29 million

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has reclaimed top spot in the list of the world`s highest-paid soccer players from Lionel Messi, according to Forbes.

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has reclaimed top spot in the list of the world`s highest-paid soccer players from Lionel Messi, according to Forbes. Ronaldo, 36, rejoined United from Juventus in August after 12 years away, while Messi has swapped boyhood club Barcelona to join Paris St Germain. Forbes said Ronaldo, among the world`s most popular athletes with over 500 million followers across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, is set to make $125 million before taxes in the 2021-22 season, with $70 million coming from salary and bonuses at United. The rest will come from endorsements and partnerships with brands including Nike, Herbalife, Clear and his CR7 brand. Messi, who topped last year`s list, will be paid a salary of $75 million with an additional $35 million from endorsements for total expected earnings of $110 million. The Argentine`s strike partner at PSG Neymar, who in May signed a new contract until 2025, is third on the list with total earnings of $95 million. Another PSG player, Kylian Mbappe ($43 million), is fourth on the Forbes list while Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah ($41 million) is fifth. Top 10 highest earners in soccer: Cristiano Ronaldo - $125 million Lionel Messi - $110 million Neymar - $95 million Kylian Mbappe - $43 million Mohamed Salah - $41 million Robert Lewandowski - $35 million Andres Iniesta - $35 million Paul Pogba - $34 million Gareth Bale - $32 million Eden Hazard - $29 million

Cristiano Ronaldo leapfrogs Lionel Messi in Forbes list of top-earning players

Lionel Messi-starrer Paris-Saint Germain (PSG) got the better of Olympique&nbsp;Lyonnais&nbsp;(Lyon) during the French L1 football match between the two sides, held at The Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on September 19 (Sunday). PSG defeated Lyon 2-1 as the Argentine also made his home debut for his new club after moving from Barcelona in a dramatic fashion. While the 34-year-old did produce a solid performance during the first half, he was subbed off by team manager Mauricio Pochettino with only 14 minutes left in the encounter. &nbsp;

Following Messi being asked to join the sidelines, his reaction has gone viral after being subbed during the end moments. Since then, many fans on social media platforms also reacted to Messi's response to the coach's decision. Many reports claimed that the superstar footballer ignored Pochettino's hand while walking off, however, replays did show that he did shake his hands with the manager.

Here are some of the responses of fans to Messi's reaction after he was subbed off by the PSG coach -

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Messi to Pochettino: I don’t care. I have already told the Board to sack you next week. <a href="https://t.co/Ja7bjOkfnM">pic.twitter.com/Ja7bjOkfnM</a>
— Jesse Lingard (@Jesse__Lingard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jesse__Lingard_/status/1439867011555807238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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An unhappy Messi? Is Pochettino ready for the heat? <a href="https://t.co/vyKCDsUosv">pic.twitter.com/vyKCDsUosv</a>
— Kwame Benaiah (@kwamebenaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/kwamebenaiah/status/1439697869183795207?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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PSG wins a penalty against OL ..but Pochettino gives it to Neymar while Messi has not scored yet .then moves forward to substitute hi <a href="https://t.co/n188R51tBR">pic.twitter.com/n188R51tBR</a>
— JUJAMAICAN (@naya_biggie) <a href="https://twitter.com/naya_biggie/status/1439690072572538890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Messi was the best player on the pitch, and Pochettino chose to sub him out. Absolutely ridiculous.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PochettinoOUT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PochettinoOUT</a> <a href="https://t.co/oAOGCgws4a">pic.twitter.com/oAOGCgws4a</a>
— José Henrique #LM7 (@josephsn_7) <a href="https://twitter.com/josephsn_7/status/1439686469875023873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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After the match, Pochettino defended his decision to take off the Argentine. "Everyone knows we have great players, a squad of 35. It is my decision. We can only have 11 players on the field at one time," Pochettino said. "I only think about the best decision in each game, for each player, just as every coach does. We are here to make decisions. Sometimes people will be happy with them, sometimes they won't be.&nbsp;I asked him how he was and he said he was fine," he concluded.

PSG now have 6 wins from equal number of matches and will next face FC Metz on September 23.

Lionel Messi-starrer Paris-Saint Germain (PSG) got the better of Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) during the French L1 football match between the two sides, held at The Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on September 19 (Sunday).

Lionel Messi-starrer Paris-Saint Germain (PSG) got the better of Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) during the French L1 football match between the two sides, held at The Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on September 19 (Sunday). PSG defeated Lyon 2-1 as the Argentine also made his home debut for his new club after moving from Barcelona in a dramatic fashion. While the 34-year-old did produce a solid performance during the first half, he was subbed off by team manager Mauricio Pochettino with only 14 minutes left in the encounter. Following Messi being asked to join the sidelines, his reaction has gone viral after being subbed during the end moments. Since then, many fans on social media platforms also reacted to Messi's response to the coach's decision. Many reports claimed that the superstar footballer ignored Pochettino's hand while walking off, however, replays did show that he did shake his hands with the manager. Here are some of the responses of fans to Messi's reaction after he was subbed off by the PSG coach - Messi to Pochettino: I don’t care. I have already told the Board to sack you next week. pic.twitter.com/Ja7bjOkfnM — Jesse Lingard (@Jesse__Lingard_) September 20, 2021 × An unhappy Messi? Is Pochettino ready for the heat? pic.twitter.com/vyKCDsUosv — Kwame Benaiah (@kwamebenaiah) September 19, 2021 × PSG wins a penalty against OL ..but Pochettino gives it to Neymar while Messi has not scored yet .then moves forward to substitute hi pic.twitter.com/n188R51tBR — JUJAMAICAN (@naya_biggie) September 19, 2021 × Messi was the best player on the pitch, and Pochettino chose to sub him out. Absolutely ridiculous.#PochettinoOUT pic.twitter.com/oAOGCgws4a — José Henrique #LM7 (@josephsn_7) September 19, 2021 × After the match, Pochettino defended his decision to take off the Argentine. "Everyone knows we have great players, a squad of 35. It is my decision. We can only have 11 players on the field at one time," Pochettino said. "I only think about the best decision in each game, for each player, just as every coach does. We are here to make decisions. Sometimes people will be happy with them, sometimes they won't be. I asked him how he was and he said he was fine," he concluded. PSG now have 6 wins from equal number of matches and will next face FC Metz on September 23.

Watch: Lionel Messi's reaction goes viral after being subbed off by PSG coach during face-off vs Lyon

Paris St Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino warned that it would take some time for his formidable attacking trio to shine after they disappointed in a 1-1 draw at Club Brugge in their Champions League opener on Wednesday. 
 
Lionel Messi hit the woodwork on his first start with PSG but he failed to add to his 120 goals in the competition, while Neymar was hugely disappointing and Kylian Mbappe limped off the pitch injured after setting up Ander Herrera for the opening goal. 
 
It was the first time the three attacking players were together on the field and they struggled to find each other and create space against a compact Belgian side. 
 
"It requires time for them to shine together," said Pochettino. "It requires work. I had made it clear that we`re not a team yet, we have to work for this." 
 
Messi and Neymar, starting on the flanks, left the fullbacks exposed and Brugge exploited the space with a strong collective performance as PSG`s midfield was almost non-existent in the absence of the injured Marco Verratti. 
 
That prompted Pochettino to replace Leandro Paredes with Danilo and Georginio Wijnaldum with Julian Draxler but to no effect. 
 
"We needed more consistency and more fluidity. We made too many mistakes," Pochettino explained. "But despite all this I`m satisfied with the players. We have to keep calm and keep working." 
 
PSG are two points behind Manchester City who demolished RB Leipzig 6-3, two weeks before the Ligue 1 side take on the Premier League champions at the Parc des Princes.

Paris St Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino warned that it would take some time for his formidable attacking trio to shine after they disappointed in a 1-1 draw at Club Brugge in their Champions League opener on Wednesday.

Paris St Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino warned that it would take some time for his formidable attacking trio to shine after they disappointed in a 1-1 draw at Club Brugge in their Champions League opener on Wednesday. Lionel Messi hit the woodwork on his first start with PSG but he failed to add to his 120 goals in the competition, while Neymar was hugely disappointing and Kylian Mbappe limped off the pitch injured after setting up Ander Herrera for the opening goal. It was the first time the three attacking players were together on the field and they struggled to find each other and create space against a compact Belgian side. "It requires time for them to shine together," said Pochettino. "It requires work. I had made it clear that we`re not a team yet, we have to work for this." Messi and Neymar, starting on the flanks, left the fullbacks exposed and Brugge exploited the space with a strong collective performance as PSG`s midfield was almost non-existent in the absence of the injured Marco Verratti. That prompted Pochettino to replace Leandro Paredes with Danilo and Georginio Wijnaldum with Julian Draxler but to no effect. "We needed more consistency and more fluidity. We made too many mistakes," Pochettino explained. "But despite all this I`m satisfied with the players. We have to keep calm and keep working." PSG are two points behind Manchester City who demolished RB Leipzig 6-3, two weeks before the Ligue 1 side take on the Premier League champions at the Parc des Princes.

It will take time for attacking trio to shine: PSG coach backs Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to give Argentina a 3-0 win over Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday, lifting him above Pele as South America`s top international scorer with 79 goals. 
 
Messi got the opener after 14 minutes in Buenos Aires, dancing around the Bolivian defence before curling the ball into the net from just outside the box. 
 
He made it 2-0 in the 64th minute after working a one-two with Lautaro Martinez and displaying superb footwork in a packed penalty box, then completed the hat-trick with two minutes left, crashing home a rebound from close range. 
 
His 77th, 78th and 79th goals marked his seventh hat-trick for the national side and took him two above Pele in the South American scoring charts. 
 
“I was really anxious, and I really wanted to enjoy it," Messi said. "I’ve waited a long time for this, I went for it, and I dreamt about it. It’s a unique moment for the way it came about, after waiting so long.” 
 
On a night when Argentine fans were allowed to watch their national team for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Messi broke down in tears as he lifted the Copa America trophy at the Monumental stadium. 
 
Argentina won the Copa America in July, their first major title in 28 years, and Messi danced with his team mates and showed off the trophy to the 21,000 supporters present. 
 
“There was no better way to celebrate than by being here,” he said. “My mum is here, my siblings are in the stands. They have suffered so much and they are here celebrating. I am very happy.” 
 
Argentina are in second place behind Brazil in the 10-team qualifying group for Qatar in 2022. The top four teams qualify automatically and the fifth-placed side goes into an inter-regional playoff. 
 
Earlier on Thursday, Miguel Borja scored two goals in two minutes to put Colombia on their way to a 3-1 victory over Chile in Barranquilla. 
 
He got the first from the penalty spot after 19 minutes and then ran through on goal a minute later to slip the ball under the keeper and make it 2-0. 
 
Jean Meneses pulled one back for Chile in the 56th minute but Luis Dias restored Colombia’s two-goal lead with 16 minutes left. 
 
Colombia are fifth in the qualifying table, tied on points with fourth-placed Ecuador, while Chile are eighth.

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to give Argentina a 3-0 win over Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday, lifting him above Pele as South America`s top international scorer with 79 goals.

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to give Argentina a 3-0 win over Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday, lifting him above Pele as South America`s top international scorer with 79 goals. Messi got the opener after 14 minutes in Buenos Aires, dancing around the Bolivian defence before curling the ball into the net from just outside the box. He made it 2-0 in the 64th minute after working a one-two with Lautaro Martinez and displaying superb footwork in a packed penalty box, then completed the hat-trick with two minutes left, crashing home a rebound from close range. His 77th, 78th and 79th goals marked his seventh hat-trick for the national side and took him two above Pele in the South American scoring charts. “I was really anxious, and I really wanted to enjoy it," Messi said. "I’ve waited a long time for this, I went for it, and I dreamt about it. It’s a unique moment for the way it came about, after waiting so long.” On a night when Argentine fans were allowed to watch their national team for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Messi broke down in tears as he lifted the Copa America trophy at the Monumental stadium. Argentina won the Copa America in July, their first major title in 28 years, and Messi danced with his team mates and showed off the trophy to the 21,000 supporters present. “There was no better way to celebrate than by being here,” he said. “My mum is here, my siblings are in the stands. They have suffered so much and they are here celebrating. I am very happy.” Argentina are in second place behind Brazil in the 10-team qualifying group for Qatar in 2022. The top four teams qualify automatically and the fifth-placed side goes into an inter-regional playoff. Earlier on Thursday, Miguel Borja scored two goals in two minutes to put Colombia on their way to a 3-1 victory over Chile in Barranquilla. He got the first from the penalty spot after 19 minutes and then ran through on goal a minute later to slip the ball under the keeper and make it 2-0. Jean Meneses pulled one back for Chile in the 56th minute but Luis Dias restored Colombia’s two-goal lead with 16 minutes left. Colombia are fifth in the qualifying table, tied on points with fourth-placed Ecuador, while Chile are eighth.

Lionel Messi overtakes Pele with hat-trick as Argentina beat Bolivia

Forward Sergio Aguero said he has no regrets over signing for Barcelona despite the fact that close friend Lionel Messi left the club in the same transfer window.

The Argentine, who arrived on a free transfer from Manchester City, said he was happy with the decision he had made - even if it meant taking a paycut.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-overtakes-pele-with-hat-trick-as-argentina-beat-bolivia-411994">Lionel Messi overtakes Pele with hat-trick as Argentina beat Bolivia</a>

"No doubt I'd sign for Barca again. Just for the name of the club, many players are open to giving up money in order to come," Aguero told Spanish radio station RAC1.

"When we spoke to Barca we knew about their finances, but I told my agent that I didn't care about money - all I wanted was to sign for Barca, even if it meant not earning what I was at City.

Aguero admitted he did speak with Messi about his situation, however, he denied media reports he had a clause in his contract allowing him to walk away if his countryman left.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-could-play-until-hes-40-says-wayne-rooney-412108">Cristiano Ronaldo could play until he's 40, says Wayne Rooney</a>

"He told me at the Copa America that it looked like the deal was done, but that's all we spoke about the situation," Aguero said.

"When we came back he said they were still trying to come to an agreement but then the famous Thursday happened and I was left in shock, like everyone.

"Someone invented that I had a clause that allowed me to leave if Leo (Messi) did. What actually happened was I was injured when I was due to be presented and it happened just a couple of days after Messi left."

Forward Sergio Aguero said he has no regrets over signing for Barcelona despite the fact that close friend Lionel Messi left the club in the same transfer window.

Forward Sergio Aguero said he has no regrets over signing for Barcelona despite the fact that close friend Lionel Messi left the club in the same transfer window. The Argentine, who arrived on a free transfer from Manchester City, said he was happy with the decision he had made - even if it meant taking a paycut. ALSO READ | Lionel Messi overtakes Pele with hat-trick as Argentina beat Bolivia "No doubt I'd sign for Barca again. Just for the name of the club, many players are open to giving up money in order to come," Aguero told Spanish radio station RAC1. "When we spoke to Barca we knew about their finances, but I told my agent that I didn't care about money - all I wanted was to sign for Barca, even if it meant not earning what I was at City. Aguero admitted he did speak with Messi about his situation, however, he denied media reports he had a clause in his contract allowing him to walk away if his countryman left. ALSO READ | Cristiano Ronaldo could play until he's 40, says Wayne Rooney "He told me at the Copa America that it looked like the deal was done, but that's all we spoke about the situation," Aguero said. "When we came back he said they were still trying to come to an agreement but then the famous Thursday happened and I was left in shock, like everyone. "Someone invented that I had a clause that allowed me to leave if Leo (Messi) did. What actually happened was I was injured when I was due to be presented and it happened just a couple of days after Messi left."

Sergio Aguero has no Barcelona regrets despite Lionel Messi exit

FIFA has opened an investigation into the postponement of Argentina's World Cup qualifier with Brazil with their president Gianni Infantino labelling the events "crazy" while Tottenham Hotspur were reported to be ready to take disciplinary action against their Argentine players.

Brazilian health authorities intervened on the pitch on Sunday after accusing four Argentine Premier League players of violating the country's COVID-19 quarantine rules.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Tottenham duo Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso were on the Neo Quimica Arena pitch as part of the Argentine line-up when officials from Brazil's health regulator Anvisa walked onto the field and stopped the game around five minutes after kickoff.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentina-vs-brazil-lionel-messi-wears-photographers-vest-during-on-field-chaos-paulo-dybala-cant-stop-laughing-watch-411135">Argentina vs Brazil: Lionel Messi wears photographer's vest during on-field chaos, Paulo Dybala can't stop laughing - Watch</a>

Aston Villa midfielder Emiliano Buendia had also travelled from the UK and was in the stands.

Anvisa said that Brazilian rules make clear that travellers who have been in the UK, South Africa or India during the previous 14 days are forbidden from entering, unless they are Brazilian citizens or have permanent residency.

FIFA said they have received reports from match officials and were gathering further information.

"The information will be analysed by the competent disciplinary bodies and a decision will be taken in due course," FIFA said in a statement.

Infantino, in a video address to the European Club Association's general assembly, said the situation was a reminder of the difficulties the organisation had been facing during the pandemic.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-health-officials-and-police-invaded-football-pitch-heres-why-argentina-vs-brazil-was-suspended-411125">Explained: Health officials and police invaded football pitch, here's why Argentina vs Brazil was suspended</a>

"We saw what happened with the game between Brazil and Argentine, two of South America's most glorious teams. Some officials, police, security officials entered the pitch after a few minutes of the game to take away some players - it is crazy but we need to deal with these challenges, these issues which come on top of the COVID crisis," Infantino said.

Alejandro Martinez, brother of Emiliano, said that the players were due to fly from Argentina to Croatia later on Monday in order to avoid the ten day mandatory hotel quarantine on return to the UK from a red-list country.

"They will travel to Croatia to do their quarantine there and then go to England," Alejandro told radio station La Oral Deportiva. "That was the conditions set by Aston Villa."

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) said that Martinez and Buendia had been released from the national team, meaning they will not take part in Friday's qualifier against Bolivia.

The tweet from the AFA did not make reference to the two Tottenham players.

The Tottenham players travelled to the game without the permission of their club and the website football.london said the pair could expect fines on their return to England.

Villa and Tottenham did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

FIFA has opened an investigation into the postponement of Argentina's World Cup qualifier with Brazil with their president Gianni Infantino labelling the events "crazy" while Tottenham Hotspur were reported to be ready to take disciplinary action against their Argentine players.

FIFA has opened an investigation into the postponement of Argentina's World Cup qualifier with Brazil with their president Gianni Infantino labelling the events "crazy" while Tottenham Hotspur were reported to be ready to take disciplinary action against their Argentine players. Brazilian health authorities intervened on the pitch on Sunday after accusing four Argentine Premier League players of violating the country's COVID-19 quarantine rules. Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Tottenham duo Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso were on the Neo Quimica Arena pitch as part of the Argentine line-up when officials from Brazil's health regulator Anvisa walked onto the field and stopped the game around five minutes after kickoff. ALSO READ | Argentina vs Brazil: Lionel Messi wears photographer's vest during on-field chaos, Paulo Dybala can't stop laughing - Watch Aston Villa midfielder Emiliano Buendia had also travelled from the UK and was in the stands. Anvisa said that Brazilian rules make clear that travellers who have been in the UK, South Africa or India during the previous 14 days are forbidden from entering, unless they are Brazilian citizens or have permanent residency. FIFA said they have received reports from match officials and were gathering further information. "The information will be analysed by the competent disciplinary bodies and a decision will be taken in due course," FIFA said in a statement. Infantino, in a video address to the European Club Association's general assembly, said the situation was a reminder of the difficulties the organisation had been facing during the pandemic. ALSO READ | Explained: Health officials and police invaded football pitch, here's why Argentina vs Brazil was suspended "We saw what happened with the game between Brazil and Argentine, two of South America's most glorious teams. Some officials, police, security officials entered the pitch after a few minutes of the game to take away some players - it is crazy but we need to deal with these challenges, these issues which come on top of the COVID crisis," Infantino said. Alejandro Martinez, brother of Emiliano, said that the players were due to fly from Argentina to Croatia later on Monday in order to avoid the ten day mandatory hotel quarantine on return to the UK from a red-list country. "They will travel to Croatia to do their quarantine there and then go to England," Alejandro told radio station La Oral Deportiva. "That was the conditions set by Aston Villa." The Argentine Football Association (AFA) said that Martinez and Buendia had been released from the national team, meaning they will not take part in Friday's qualifier against Bolivia. The tweet from the AFA did not make reference to the two Tottenham players. The Tottenham players travelled to the game without the permission of their club and the website football.london said the pair could expect fines on their return to England. Villa and Tottenham did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

FIFA chief labels Brazil postponement 'crazy', Spurs set to fine players

Argentina&nbsp;coach Lionel Scaloni lashed out at Brazilian authorities on Sunday following the dramatic suspension of the South American giants' World Cup qualifier in Sao Paulo.

Argentina's game against Brazil was stopped and later abandoned when public health officials from Brazil entered the field of play seeking to remove Albiceleste players.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, defender Cristian Romero and midfielder Giovani Lo Celso were among four England-based players in the&nbsp;Argentina&nbsp;squad accused of breaching Brazil's Covid-19 quarantine protocols.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentina-vs-brazil-lionel-messi-wears-photographers-vest-during-on-field-chaos-paulo-dybala-cant-stop-laughing-watch-411135">Argentina vs Brazil: Lionel Messi wears photographer's vest during on-field chaos, Paulo Dybala can't stop laughing - Watch</a>

"It makes me very sad -- we are the victims in the sense that we wanted to play the game, the Brazilian players also wanted to play it and the show was to be played," Scaloni told&nbsp;Argentina's TyCSports channel.

Scaloni said the match "should have been a party for everyone, to enjoy the match with the best in the world".

Scaloni said&nbsp;Argentina, whose players left the field soon after the intervention by public health officials, could not tolerate members of the squad being deported.

"I would like people in&nbsp;Argentina&nbsp;to understand that as a coach I have to defend my players and if people come in saying they wanted to take them away and deport them, there is no chance," he warned.

Scaloni added that at "no time were we told that they could not play the game".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-health-officials-and-police-invaded-football-pitch-heres-why-argentina-vs-brazil-was-suspended-411125">Explained: Health officials and police invaded football pitch, here's why Argentina vs Brazil was suspended</a>

Sunday's drama unfolded hours after Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) said Premier League players Lo Celso, Martinez, Romero and Emiliano Buendia had provided "false information" upon their entry to Brazil.

However&nbsp;Argentina&nbsp;Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia said the team had followed FIFA protocols.

"It is not possible to speak of any lie," Tapia said.

Tapia said&nbsp;Argentina&nbsp;were due to return to Buenos Aires later Sunday on a charter flight, insisting that the AFA had been "complying with (the protocols) and taking maximum care of our players, so that they can return to their clubs in the best way".

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni lashed out at Brazilian authorities on Sunday following the dramatic suspension of the South American giants' World Cup qualifier in Sao Paulo.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni lashed out at Brazilian authorities on Sunday following the dramatic suspension of the South American giants' World Cup qualifier in Sao Paulo. Argentina's game against Brazil was stopped and later abandoned when public health officials from Brazil entered the field of play seeking to remove Albiceleste players. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, defender Cristian Romero and midfielder Giovani Lo Celso were among four England-based players in the Argentina squad accused of breaching Brazil's Covid-19 quarantine protocols. ALSO READ | Argentina vs Brazil: Lionel Messi wears photographer's vest during on-field chaos, Paulo Dybala can't stop laughing - Watch "It makes me very sad -- we are the victims in the sense that we wanted to play the game, the Brazilian players also wanted to play it and the show was to be played," Scaloni told Argentina's TyCSports channel. Scaloni said the match "should have been a party for everyone, to enjoy the match with the best in the world". Scaloni said Argentina, whose players left the field soon after the intervention by public health officials, could not tolerate members of the squad being deported. "I would like people in Argentina to understand that as a coach I have to defend my players and if people come in saying they wanted to take them away and deport them, there is no chance," he warned. Scaloni added that at "no time were we told that they could not play the game". ALSO READ | Explained: Health officials and police invaded football pitch, here's why Argentina vs Brazil was suspended Sunday's drama unfolded hours after Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) said Premier League players Lo Celso, Martinez, Romero and Emiliano Buendia had provided "false information" upon their entry to Brazil. However Argentina Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia said the team had followed FIFA protocols. "It is not possible to speak of any lie," Tapia said. Tapia said Argentina were due to return to Buenos Aires later Sunday on a charter flight, insisting that the AFA had been "complying with (the protocols) and taking maximum care of our players, so that they can return to their clubs in the best way".

'We're the victims', says Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni after COVID-19 chaos

The World Cup qualifying clash between Brazil and Argentina was sensationally abandoned shortly after kick-off on Sunday (September 5) as controversy over COVID-19 protocols erupted.&nbsp;

Amid the crazy and chaotic scenes at Sao Paulo's Neo Quimica Arena, there was a moment of laughter that went viral on the social media forums when Lionel Messi was spotted in a slightly different vest.&nbsp;

Argentina captain Lionel Messi and his teammates trooped off the field as confusion reigned over the fate of the game but instead of wearing his jersey, he had a photographer's bib on.&nbsp;

Messi teammate Paulo Dybala discovered the funny bib and could not hold back laughing.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-health-officials-and-police-invaded-football-pitch-heres-why-argentina-vs-brazil-was-suspended-411125">Explained: Health officials and police invaded football pitch, here's why Argentina vs Brazil was suspended</a>

Watch the video here:

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Paulo Dybala making fun of what Messi wore (Foto on his back) after the drama between Argentina and Brazil 😅 
 
He's still got that ! <a href="https://t.co/ibEju3swxY">pic.twitter.com/ibEju3swxY</a>
— © Sam © (@Fcb_s_a_m) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fcb_s_a_m/status/1434626350292213760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Now that the Brazil vs Argentina match is officially suspended, let's enjoy this reunion clip of Lionel Messi, Dani Alves &amp; Neymar Jr 💙❤<a href="https://t.co/EOaHMcPfp9">pic.twitter.com/EOaHMcPfp9</a>
— Messaitama🤺🇦🇷 (@messaitama) <a href="https://twitter.com/messaitama/status/1434604078177271809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Dybala laughing because Messi was wearing a photographer’s vest 😂😂 <a href="https://t.co/wAbhEO5Qya">pic.twitter.com/wAbhEO5Qya</a>
— MC (@CrewsMat10) <a href="https://twitter.com/CrewsMat10/status/1434614695344971783?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bizarre-scenes-brazil-argentina-match-halted-as-police-storm-on-field-to-arrest-4-premier-league-players-410992">Bizarre scenes! Brazil-Argentina match halted as police storm on field to arrest 4 Premier League players</a>&nbsp;

The much-awaited World Cup qualifier between the South American giants Argentina and Brazil was suspended shortly after kick-off and dramatic scenes erupted on Sunday (September 5) over the controversy related to COVID-19 protocols.&nbsp;

The Brazilian health authorities interrupted the game within less than ten minutes, accusing a number of English Premier League players of violating the country's COVID-19 quarantine rules and triggering a drama involving team officials and players from both sides.&nbsp;

According to Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), the Premier League players — Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero of Tottenham, and Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia — provided "false information" upon their entry to Brazil.&nbsp;

The World Cup qualifying clash between Brazil and Argentina was sensationally abandoned shortly after kick-off on Sunday (September 5) as controversy over COVID-19 protocols erupted.

The World Cup qualifying clash between Brazil and Argentina was sensationally abandoned shortly after kick-off on Sunday (September 5) as controversy over COVID-19 protocols erupted. Amid the crazy and chaotic scenes at Sao Paulo's Neo Quimica Arena, there was a moment of laughter that went viral on the social media forums when Lionel Messi was spotted in a slightly different vest. Argentina captain Lionel Messi and his teammates trooped off the field as confusion reigned over the fate of the game but instead of wearing his jersey, he had a photographer's bib on. Messi teammate Paulo Dybala discovered the funny bib and could not hold back laughing. ALSO READ | Explained: Health officials and police invaded football pitch, here's why Argentina vs Brazil was suspended Watch the video here: Paulo Dybala making fun of what Messi wore (Foto on his back) after the drama between Argentina and Brazil 😅 He's still got that ! pic.twitter.com/ibEju3swxY — © Sam © (@Fcb_s_a_m) September 5, 2021 × Now that the Brazil vs Argentina match is officially suspended, let's enjoy this reunion clip of Lionel Messi, Dani Alves & Neymar Jr 💙❤pic.twitter.com/EOaHMcPfp9 — Messaitama🤺🇦🇷 (@messaitama) September 5, 2021 × Dybala laughing because Messi was wearing a photographer’s vest 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/wAbhEO5Qya — MC (@CrewsMat10) September 5, 2021 × ALSO READ | Bizarre scenes! Brazil-Argentina match halted as police storm on field to arrest 4 Premier League players The much-awaited World Cup qualifier between the South American giants Argentina and Brazil was suspended shortly after kick-off and dramatic scenes erupted on Sunday (September 5) over the controversy related to COVID-19 protocols. The Brazilian health authorities interrupted the game within less than ten minutes, accusing a number of English Premier League players of violating the country's COVID-19 quarantine rules and triggering a drama involving team officials and players from both sides. According to Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), the Premier League players — Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero of Tottenham, and Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia — provided "false information" upon their entry to Brazil.

Argentina vs Brazil: Lionel Messi wears photographer's vest during on-field chaos, Paulo Dybala can't stop laughing - Watch

The much-awaited World Cup qualifier between the South American giants Argentina and Brazil was suspended shortly after kick-off and dramatic scenes erupted on Sunday (September 5) over the controversy related to COVID-19 protocols.

The much-awaited World Cup qualifier between the South American giants Argentina and Brazil was suspended shortly after kick-off and dramatic scenes erupted on Sunday (September 5) over the controversy related to COVID-19 protocols. The Brazilian health authorities interrupted the game within less than ten minutes, accusing a number of English Premier League players of violating the country's COVID-19 quarantine rules and triggering a drama involving team officials and players from both sides. Here's what happened: As soon as the match started at Sao Paulo's Neo Quimica Arena it was suspended. According to Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), the Premier League players — Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero of Tottenham, and Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia — provided "false information" upon their entry to Brazil. Romero, Lo Celso and Martinez were all in Argentina's starting line-up for Sunday's game — prompting the surreal intervention of ANVISA officials. ALSO READ | Bizarre scenes! Brazil-Argentina match halted as police storm on field to arrest 4 Premier League players 🚨⚽️ | NEW: Footage shows Brazilian officials entering the pitch during the Brazil vs Argentina game to allegedly detain 4 Argentinian players who had entered the country from England pic.twitter.com/3X0PkNghmN — Football For All (@FootballlForAll) September 5, 2021 × Now that the Brazil vs Argentina match is officially suspended, let's enjoy this reunion clip of Lionel Messi, Dani Alves & Neymar Jr 💙❤pic.twitter.com/EOaHMcPfp9 — Messaitama🤺🇦🇷 (@messaitama) September 5, 2021 × The four players were accused of failing to disclose that they had spent time in the United Kingdom in the 14 days before they arrived in Brazil, where COVID-19 has claimed more than 580,000 lives. The controversy comes after nine Brazilians based in the Premier League failed to travel to South America following objections from their clubs. Argentinian media outlet TyC Sports reported that the players travelled back with the rest of the squad and had been classified as 'deportees'. Who said what? However, as per the Argentina FA, the group had been in Brazilian territory since Friday (September 3) and they were complying with all of the COVID-19 related protocols and other measures regulated by Conmebol, organisers of the qualifiers. Argentina captain Lionel Messi hit out at the intervention by Brazilian officials. "We've been here for three days, why are you doing this just now?" he said on Argentina's TyC network. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was similarly incensed, telling media that "at no time were we told that they could not play the game." ALSO READ | Neymar Jr responds to fans who 'fat-shamed' him during Brazil vs Chile match The Argentina team arrived back in Buenos Aires during Monday's early hours. Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia said the federation had followed FIFA protocols for the game, pushing back at the claim that players had falsified entry records. "It is not possible to speak of any lie," Tapia said. Brazilian officials were unrepentant about the decision to halt the game. "We got to this point because everything that ANVISA directed, from the first moment, was not fulfilled," ANVISA director Antonio Barra Torres said on Brazilian television. The four players "were directed to remain isolated while awaiting deportation, but they did not comply. They went to the stadium and they entered the field, in a series of breaches," the official added. (Image: Brazil's Neymar (L) and Argentina's Lionel Messi talk before their South American qualification football match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Neo Quimica Arena, also known as Corinthians Arena, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on September 5, 2021. Source: AFP) Here's what the COVID-19 rules say: Recently, the Premier League had initially refused to release all players who were set to play international matches in red-listed countries and Brazil is one of them. A government order dating from June 23 prohibits the entry into Brazilian territory of any foreign person from the United Kingdom, India or South Africa, to prevent the spread of variants of the coronavirus. "ANVISA considers that this situation represents a serious health risk and recommends that the local health authorities (of Sao Paulo) order the immediate quarantine of the players, who are prohibited from taking part in any activity and from remaining on Brazilian territory," the agency said in a statement earlier Sunday. The agency also said Argentina's delegation had been warned in a meeting on Saturday that the players at the centre of the controversy must be quarantined and should not play any part in Sunday's game. (Image: Employees of the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) enter to the field during the South American qualification football match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 between Brazil and Argentina at the Neo Quimica Arena, also known as Corinthians Arena, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on September 5, 2021. Source: AFP) When the match will be played? South American football's governing body CONMEBOL said in a statement that the game had been "suspended" but did not say when or if the match would be replayed, or whether either team would forfeit the game. "By decision of the match referee, the match organized by FIFA between Brazil and Argentina for the qualifiers for the World Cup is suspended," CONMEBOL said in a statement. "The referee and the match commissioner will submit a report to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which will determine the steps to follow. These procedures adhere strictly to current regulations." (inputs from agencies)

Explained: Health officials and police invaded football pitch, here's why Argentina vs Brazil was suspended

After the Copa America final on July 11, Brazil and Argentina met once again during the World Cup qualifier match on Sunday (September 5).

However, the game ended with only five minutes of play being possible, as police and health officials stormed onto the field and called for the arrest of four Argentine players, who had travelled with the squad despite participation in the Premier League and broke the quarantine rules after entering Brazil.&nbsp;

As per a report in Goal.com, the likes of Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso were given the green signal to appear in the qualifier match despite being accused of falsifying travel information upon their entry to Brazil, with mandatory quarantine and deportation advised by the Brazilian government for the trio and reserve Emiliano Buendia. Thus, the match saw barely five minutes being passed away when several&nbsp;officers stormed the pitch, much to the surprise of players from both sides.

"It was necessary to keep our sanitary protocol," said Antonio Barra Torres, the head of the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency.&nbsp;"We called the federal police, that went to the hotel and we found out that they had already left for the Stadium. The rest is what you're watching live."

As the Argentine players refused, there were&nbsp;scenes in the middle before match got suspended abruptly.&nbsp;

Fate of the match?

"The World Cup Qualifiers is a FIFA competition," wrote the South American football governing body in a statement. "All decisions concerning its organisation and development are the exclusive power of that institution. The referee and the match commissioner will submit a report to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which will determine the steps to be followed. These procedures strictly adhere to current regulations."

The PL trio in the Argentine squad came from the United Kingdom. For the unversed, the country is in Brazil's own red-zone. Hence, a scuffle occurred in the middle as Messi &amp; Co. believed that the authorities could've informed them before the match started whereas the police and other health officials reacted as the Argentine PL-returned trio didn't reveal to the immigration and health officials that they had returned from the UK.&nbsp;

After five hours of waiting and four of their players being under the threat of arrest, the Argentine players finally managed to board a flight back home.

After the Copa America final on July 11, Brazil and Argentina met once again during the World Cup qualifier match on Sunday (September 5). However, the game ended with only five minutes of play being possible, as police and health officials stormed onto the field and called for the arrest of four Argentine players, who had travelled with the squad despite participation in the Premier League and broke the quarantine rules after entering Brazil.

After the Copa America final on July 11, Brazil and Argentina met once again during the World Cup qualifier match on Sunday (September 5). However, the game ended with only five minutes of play being possible, as police and health officials stormed onto the field and called for the arrest of four Argentine players, who had travelled with the squad despite participation in the Premier League and broke the quarantine rules after entering Brazil. As per a report in Goal.com, the likes of Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso were given the green signal to appear in the qualifier match despite being accused of falsifying travel information upon their entry to Brazil, with mandatory quarantine and deportation advised by the Brazilian government for the trio and reserve Emiliano Buendia. Thus, the match saw barely five minutes being passed away when several officers stormed the pitch, much to the surprise of players from both sides. "It was necessary to keep our sanitary protocol," said Antonio Barra Torres, the head of the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency. "We called the federal police, that went to the hotel and we found out that they had already left for the Stadium. The rest is what you're watching live." As the Argentine players refused, there were scenes in the middle before match got suspended abruptly. Fate of the match? "The World Cup Qualifiers is a FIFA competition," wrote the South American football governing body in a statement. "All decisions concerning its organisation and development are the exclusive power of that institution. The referee and the match commissioner will submit a report to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which will determine the steps to be followed. These procedures strictly adhere to current regulations." The PL trio in the Argentine squad came from the United Kingdom. For the unversed, the country is in Brazil's own red-zone. Hence, a scuffle occurred in the middle as Messi & Co. believed that the authorities could've informed them before the match started whereas the police and other health officials reacted as the Argentine PL-returned trio didn't reveal to the immigration and health officials that they had returned from the UK. After five hours of waiting and four of their players being under the threat of arrest, the Argentine players finally managed to board a flight back home.

Bizarre scenes! Brazil-Argentina match halted as police storm on field to arrest 4 Premier League players

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