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Argentina National Football Team News and Updates
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Crossbar champions! Argentina's jubilant winners clamber on top of the goal to celebrate first World Cup win since 1986... as Lionel Messi is thrust into the air by his team-mates with the trophy - just as Diego Maradona was 36 years ago
18/12/22 23:51
Goals from Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria had given Argentina a 2-0 lead before two Kylian Mbappe goals, barely a minute apart, levelled the game sending it to extra-time. With France looking the more likely to grab a winner, Messi struck again. However, with just minutes remaining France won a penalty - which Mbappe duly dispatched, ensuring he became the first player to score a World Cup final hat-trick since Geoff Hurst....read
This is how you celebrate! Messi leads Argentina's wild dressing room party as he dances with the World Cup trophy and a $10m cheque - while one member of staff dives head-first into a BIN
18/12/22 23:21The World Cup was the one trophy deserting Messi's collection and it appears the PSG forward could not be happier to add it to his collection.
It will raise eyebrows but I've put Harry Kane, Kyle Walker and Casemiro in my team of the World Cup: BRYAN ROBSON picks his best XI from Qatar… so, who else makes the cut?
18/12/22 22:34BRYAN ROBSON: It's been an enjoyable tournament, full of surprises and great moments for the underdog. But England falling short pained me.
EXCLUSIVE: Lionel Scaloni could not stop crying after the West Ham flop's error allowed Steven Gerrard to score THAT 2006 FA Cup final winner… but that anguish set him on a path to becoming a World Cup winning boss with Argentina
18/12/22 22:33EXCLUSIVE BY KIERAN GILL: On May 13, 2006, Lionel Scaloni could not stop crying. The tears flowed from the moment he left Cardiff's Millennium Stadium to arriving in London.
MIKE DEAN: Superb Polish referee Szymon Marciniak made THE decision of the World Cup when he booked Marcus Thuram for diving instead of awarding France a penalty
18/12/22 22:30THE OFFICIAL LINE: I was inside the Lusail Stadium to witness a great refereeing performance. Imagine the pressure that Szymon Marciniak, this former footballer from Poland, was under.
CHRIS SUTTON: I was as exhausted as all the players at full-time! This was the day Lionel Messi was crowned a footballing king and I feel so lucky to say that I was at the greatest World Cup final in history
18/12/22 22:30I was there. That's what I and everyone else inside the Lusail Stadium yesterday will tell the grandkids someday. I was there for the greatest World Cup final in history.
VIEW FROM THE SOFA: Lionel Messi's fairytale moment was captured expertly... while Pablo Zabaleta's tears in the BBC studio summed up Argentina's triumph better than words ever could
18/12/22 22:30KIERAN GILL: BBC One, ITV1, BBC Radio 5Live and talkSPORT's commentators had five days to consider what to say if and when Lionel Messi's moment arrived for Argentina.
'Even if we had WON, I wouldn't have been able to answer that': Didier Deschamps refuses to confirm if he will stay on as France manager after defeat by Argentina... as he plots talks with his bosses in the new year before deciding his future
18/12/22 21:38Deschamps led his side to back to back finals, however they were beaten on penalties by Argentina in a thrilling World Cup final. The 54-year-old has said he needs to speak to the bosses first.
Congratulations and commiserations: WAGS of Argentina's World Cup heroes kiss the trophy and take on-pitch selfies while their counterparts console the deflated French losers
18/12/22 21:24The Argentine WAGS were seen taking selfies, cheering and re-uniting with their partners of the pitch to share the moment of glory.
'It took so long, but here it is': Lionel Messi celebrates on the pitch with his adoring family and sends Argentina into a frenzy after leading his country to World Cup glory in Qatar, and says he can't wait to witness the 'insanity' back home
18/12/22 20:56The Albiceleste captain was mobbed by wife and childhood sweetheart Antonella Roccuzzo and their three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro. He told journalists: 'I knew God would bring this gift to me'
IAN HERBERT: Qatar claimed Messi as one of their own as they dressed him in a robe to lift the World Cup. We depart with no intention to return - but the soulless state won't care ONE BIT
18/12/22 20:22At the end of it all, the Emir of Qatar dressed Messi in a flimsy black robe, which seemed to be the ultimate emblem of how a host nation have claimed him as one of their own.
Leave me alone, Mr President! Kylian Mbappe appears desperate to shrug off Emmanuel Macron's repeated awkward attempts to console him - after French leader's very over-the-top goal celebrations
18/12/22 20:18French President Emmanuel Macron was seen awkwardly attempting to console Kylian Mbappe following Argentina's 4-2 penalty shootout triumph in the World Cup final.
Lionel Messi insists he is NOT retiring from Argentina duty after guiding them to World Cup glory in Qatar... so, could he be tempted to stick around for a title defence in 2026 at the age of 39?
18/12/22 20:01IAN HERBERT AT THE LUSAIL STADIUM: Lionel Messi held out the prospect of playing on for Argentina, having finally lifted football's greatest prize after a World Cup final for the ages.
Selfish moment Qatar World Cup hosts force Lionel Messi to cover up his iconic No.10 shirt with an Arabic robe for trophy presentation: 'It's a moment for the players, not the host'
18/12/22 19:58Lionel Messi endured an awkward moment after Argentina's World Cup win on Sunday as he was draped in a robe ahead of the trophy lift.
IAN LADYMAN: Kylian Mbappe ending as a loser after hitting a World Cup final hat-trick is so unjust... he has taken crucial steps towards footballing greatness and will eventually look back fondly on his epic performance
18/12/22 19:55IAN LADYMAN: Kylian Mbappe may not currently look back fondly on France's World Cup final defeat, but he eventually will after an epic hattrick performance saw him edge closer to greatness.
PLAYER RATINGS: Lionel Messi put himself up there with Diego Maradona for Argentina, Alexis Mac Allister is a global star and Kylian Mbappe was man of the match despite not lifting the World Cup trophy for France
18/12/22 19:50Argentina twice thought they had sealed the win after going 2-0 up in normal time and 3-2 up in extra time. France kept coming back through Kylian Mbappe and took the game to penalties.
MARTIN SAMUEL'S MATCH REPORT: The beautiful game gives Messi the ending he richly deserves as Argentina win the World Cup on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Mbappe's hat-trick not enough for France
18/12/22 19:16MARTIN SAMUEL AT THE LUSAIL STADIUM: A fairy-tale, it will be called, but fairy-tales can be slight. Nothing here was pre-ordained, nothing was written in the stars or won lightly.
France manager Didier Deschamps admits his virus-hit players 'didn't SHOW UP' in the first half of the World Cup final, before rallying late on to take Argentina to penalties despite sickness ripping through their squad
18/12/22 19:05The eventual World Cup winners were 2-0 up at the break thanks to Lionel Messi 's first-half penalty and Angel di Maria's 36th-minute goal , as France struggled to find a foothold in the match.
'Debate finished!': Jamie Carragher and Bastian Schweinsteiger label Lionel Messi 'the best ever' after finally winning the World Cup with Argentina, as they argue the GOAT debate has finally been settled after a stunning penalties win over France
18/12/22 18:57Footballing legends from across the globe lined up to insist the 35-year-old had earned the title after emulating another Argentinian No 10 by guiding his nation to glory in Qatar.
'Not sure that could have gone any WORSE for you!': Tennis star Andy Murray can't resist calling out Piers Morgan's pre-match prediction for France to win the World Cup and 'Messi to cry'... as fans pile in on TV presenter after Argentina's win
18/12/22 18:55Andy Murray could not resist a dig at Piers Morgan for his pre-match prediction after Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to World Cup glory.
The moment Lionel Messi FINALLY wins the World Cup, as Argentina's captain breaks down and collapses to his knees following the winning penalty - and team-mates turn to him rather than taker Gonzalo Montiel
18/12/22 18:45Lionel Messi was overwhelmed with emotion at full-time as Argentina beat France on penalties to win the World Cup. The superstar captain had guided his team to a first world title since 1986.
Jake Paul changes his mind several times over who is the greatest of all time out of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe as both star in World Cup final epic... but he eventually goes for the Argentine after he lifted the trophy!
18/12/22 18:45Much like the score of the game, Jake Paul spent the World Cup Final flip-flopping on his opinions, as Argentina took firm control of the game before France equalized but later lost on penalties.
History maker! Lionel Messi becomes first player ever to win World Cup Player of the Tournament TWICE as the Argentina captain guides his team to glory in Qatar with SEVEN goals
18/12/22 18:44The Argentina star was brilliant throughout the tournament and scored seven goals for his side - including two in the incredible final against France.
Enzo Fernandez beats off competition from Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni and team-mate Julian Alvarez to claim the Young Player of the Tournament award as Argentina sweep personal gongs alongside World Cup final win
18/12/22 18:38Fernandez's team-mates, Emiliano Martinez and Messi, also won personal gongs in claiming the Golden Glove and Golden Ball awards, respectively.
'I've had a great run!': Geoff Hurst congratulates Kylian Mbappe as the France superstar joins the England legend in scoring a World Cup final hat-trick
18/12/22 18:28Geoff Hurst congratulated French superstar Kylian Mbappe as the 23-year-old forward became the first player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final since the England legend in 1966.
'You slept in bro!': LeBron James mocked for posting a 'Let's Go!' tweet for the World Cup final in the 65th MINUTE of the epic game between France and Argentina - after previously refusing to predict a winner
18/12/22 18:22'Two of the greatest ever!! Let's go!' the NBA star James tweeted alongside the video... despite the game having only 25 minutes of regular time remaining.
Emiliano Martinez makes a HUGE last-minute wonder save to deny Randal Kolo Muani and keep Argentina in the World Cup final... before penalty specialist saves TWO in the shootout to guide them to glory
18/12/22 18:17In a rollercoaster of a game, the France winger had a chance to score the winner and wrap up what could have been the greatest World Cup comeback of all time.
Kylian Mbappe WINS the 2022 World Cup Golden Boot as he scores a hat-trick in a dramatic final in Qatar to see off competition from Lionel Messi... but it's Argentina who claim World Cup glory on penalties
18/12/22 17:48The forward eventually sealed the feat in the grand finale between Argentina and France, scoring a dramatic hat-trick, though it was Messi's side who won on penalties.
'How typical Ronaldo fans think - delusional!': Fans SLAM Piers Morgan after he suggested the France team were 'deliberately poisoned' ahead of the World Cup final... as Argentina claim victory on penalties after a late rally from Les Bleus
18/12/22 17:10After France went 2-0 down, Morgan tweeted: 'It wasn't a virus, the French team clearly got deliberately poisoned', in response to the poor performance from Didier Deschamps' side.
'He hadn't had a touch ALL game. Then two moments': Rio Ferdinand leads the plaudits for Kylian Mbappe after France superstar nets twice in 95 SECONDS to equalise late on in the World Cup final... before Argentina triumph on penalties after thriller
18/12/22 17:01Rio Ferdinand led the plaudits for Kylian Mbappe after the 23-year-old superstar scored twice in 95 seconds to claw France back from 2-0 down against Argentina in the World Cup final.
'It's EMBARRASSING': Gary Neville blasts Ousmane Dembele after his PATHETIC defending gifts Argentina their first-half penalty... insisting that Angel Di Maria played the Frenchman 'like a little boy'
18/12/22 16:39Gary Neville slammed Ousmane Dembele's 'pathetic' and 'embarrassing' defending after the French winger conceded a crucial penalty against Argentina in the World Cup final.
Ousmane Dembele should have been substituted after just FIFTEEN minutes, claims FOX analyst Alexi Lalas... as he labels 'awful' winger's foul on Angel Di Maria 'dumb'
18/12/22 16:32Alexi Lalas lambasted 'awful' Ousmane Dembele at halftime of the World Cup Final between France and Argentina after the winger was hauled off in the 41st minute.
Jamie Carragher leads the praise for Angel Di Maria's goal for Argentina as fans, pundits and players hail the team move as one of the best ever World Cup final goals
18/12/22 16:18Di Maria added a second for Argentina in a superb team goal after Lionel Messi had opened the scoring from the spot on 23 minutes when Di Maria was fouled by Ousmane Dembele.
Furious France striker Olivier Giroud throws his water bottle and shirt to the floor in a tantrum, having been substituted BEFORE half-time along with Ousmane Dembele after a disastrous World Cup final first half
18/12/22 15:51Giroud was known to be suffering with a knee injury before the game and Dembele looked way off his best in the opening 40 minutes of the final against Argentina in Qatar.
'The WORST pitch a World Cup final has been played on!': Fans slate Lusail Stadium pitch as bobbles and relaid artificial grass cause issues for players during Argentina vs France
18/12/22 15:46Reigning champions France took on Argentina on Sunday in the competition's conclusion, with the South American side going 2-0 up early through Lionel Messi and Angel di Maria.
'Never a penalty!': Argentina's spot-kick to put them ahead against France in the World Cup final has fans divided over whether Ousmane Dembele DID foul Angel Di Maria... as South Americans triumph on penalties after 3-3 thriller
18/12/22 15:39Angel Di Maria won his side a penalty early on in the first half of the World Cup final, after he appeared to be taken down by France's Ousmane Dembele in the 22nd minute.
Lionel Messi scores to put Argentina 1-0 up in the World Cup final against France, as the 35-year-old converts from the spot to move one step closer to glory - and the Golden Boot - in Qatar
18/12/22 15:29Angel Di Maria, starting for the first time since the group stages, was brought down by Ousmane Dembele, and the Argentinian mastermind once again made no mistake from 12 yards out.
MESSI MAGIC: Argentina's superstar captain becomes the first player to score in EVERY World Cup round after breaking the deadlock in thrilling final win over France, as he overtakes Germany legend Lothar Matthaus as all-time record appearance maker
18/12/22 15:25The 35-year-old attacker scored in the 23rd minute after Angel di Maria went down in the France box, with Messi making no mistake from the spot as he sent goalkeeper Hugo Lloris the wrong way.
'Grotesque' Gary Neville is slammed by MP for using ITV's World Cup final coverage as a platform to attack British government for 'demonising rail and ambulance workers and terrifying nurses'
18/12/22 15:10In a discussion on ITV about the tournament as a whole and the controversy which has followed it, Neville used it as an opportunity to turn the spotlight on the British government.
'Fitting for a World Cup final!': Twitter hails Roy Keane's 'extravagant' new MOUSTACHE for Argentina's showdown with France as fans claim it 'might give ITV the edge over BBC' - while others joke he's lost a bet!
18/12/22 14:27ITV viewers wasted no time in taking to Twitter to share their thoughts on the pundit's new look, with one even poking fun at his on-air disagreements with colleague Graeme Souness .
Bettor with $557,770 on the line in the World Cup final after six teams of his $26 seven-leg league championship parlay came through CASHES OUT for $283,583... and France's loss would left him with nothing!
18/12/22 14:17A bettor who stood to win $557,000 if France beat Argentina in the World Cup Final has cashed out for more than $283,000, marking the end of a seven-leg journey that begin in March.
Argentine TV shows players singing the national anthem across ALL main channels at MIDNIGHT after instructions from their FA, 12 hours before Lionel Scaloni's men go in search of the nation's third World Cup against France in Qatar
18/12/22 14:04The Argentinian national anthem was broadcast across national TV on Saturday night as Lionel Scaloni's men prepare to face France in the World Cup final.
Argentina make a late change to their starting XI as left-back Marcos Acuna - who missed their semi-final win over Croatia - is replaced by Nicolas Tagliafico for the World Cup final against France... but the defender is brought on in the second half
18/12/22 13:55Acuna, who missed the semi-final win over Croatia through suspension, was initially set to be part of Lionel Scaloni's side for the all-important clash.
Qatar's Doha metro system struggles to cope as thousands of Argentina fans flood to the Lusail Stadium for the World Cup final against France... with tickets changing hands for £9,000 outside the ground
18/12/22 13:40Qatar's metro system has struggled to cope as thousands of Argentina fans have attempted to make their way to the Lusail Stadium for the World Cup final against Argentina.
Raphael Varane and Olivier Giroud START for France as Adrien Rabiot returns, with their virus-stricken side at full strength for the World Cup final against Argentina... while Angel Di Maria starts alongside Messi and Alvarez for Lionel Scaloni's side
18/12/22 13:05France have been dealing with a virus outbreak in their squad in the build-up to the game, with Varane and Giroud previously emerging as doubts.
Drake loses ANOTHER big-money bet after placing $1MILLION on Argentina to beat France in the World Cup final in normal time, just one month after losing $2million on UFC fight... as Lionel Messi and Co look to overcome the 'Drake curse' in Qatar
18/12/22 12:51Drake's huge bet failed as the thrilling World Cup final between Argentina and France finished level at 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes at the Lusail Stadium and went to extra-time.
REVEALED: Lionel Messi's son Thiago, 10, wrote a message to his father ahead of his last shot at World Cup glory, quoting the entirety of Argentina's song insulting the English over the Falklands War
18/12/22 12:06Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, shared the image on social media of the letter written by the Thiago, which quotes Argentinian song 'Muchachos', targeting England.
The end of the world, a date with history, and a battle for eternity... the world's media hype up the World Cup final as the showdown between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe - the heir to Messi's throne could prevent him from cementing GOAT status!
18/12/22 11:35Argentina take on France and although there will be 22 hugely gifted players on show and several key battle , the showdown between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe will surely take centre stage.
Re-live Argentina's entire World Cup win from Montiel's penalty to the chaotic celebrations two days later which had to be cut short after FOUR MILLION fans swamped Buenos Aires
18/12/22 10:58Re-live Sportsmail's blog which covered all the updates as Lionel Messi and Co. returned home after Argentina's stunning victory over holders France in the World Cup final in Qatar.
Fans want to see Lionel Messi fulfil his destiny in his World Cup swansong, but Zinedine Zidane and his infamous headbutt back in 2006 shows why he might NOT get the fairytale win... Sportsmail's MARTIN SAMUEL tells WORLD CUP CONFIDENTIAL
18/12/22 10:49He came close once before, losing in the 2014 final when Germany defeated Argentina after extra time thanks to a Mario Gotze goal - and has revealed this will be his final World Cup.
Argentina take on France as Lionel Messi hopes to finally win the World Cup... but what time is kick-off? What TV channel is it on? What is their head-to-head record? And what is the team news?
18/12/22 10:37Led by Lionel Messi , Argentina powered past a handy Croatia team 3-0 in the semi-final as they look to land a third title and their first since 1986 when Diego Maradona inspired them to glory.
Messi and Mbappe make up an all-star attack, two Spurs stars play at the back but there's no wingers... who makes it into Sportsmail's combined France-Argentina XI ahead of the World Cup final?
18/12/22 08:27Ahead of the World Cup final, Sportsmail's Max Mathews lays out his joint France-Argentina team ahead of the tournament showpiece, with an all-star attack of Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.
WORLD CUP RECAP: The final is here! All the build-up as Lionel Messi and Argentina take on Kylian Mbappe's France in Qatar... plus Gareth Southgate agrees to stay on as England manager
18/12/22 08:22Follow Sportsmail's live blog for all the latest news and updates from Qatar as we build up to the grand final this afternoon at 3pm.
The BBC and ITV will both air the World Cup final after being kept apart throughout the tournament... with Gary Lineker and Laura Woods leading their coverage respectively, it could be the pundits that decide which is the best watch
17/12/22 23:26Like Argentina and France, the UK's two biggest broadcasters have been kept apart throughout the finals until now, when viewers get a choice over which channel to tune into to watch the big match.
OLIVER HOLT: In his last dance on the big stage, Lionel Messi must find a way to carry Argentina across the line and become world champion if he wants to join Pele and Diego Maradona among football's most exalted
17/12/22 22:37It has all come down to this - one man's quest for the greatest prize of all. One man's quest for peace in a life of noise, celebrity, scrutiny and unforgiving expectation.
JESSE LINGARD: After an astonishing career, it would be fitting to see Lionel Messi lift the World Cup with Argentina... he is a genius and operates on a different level to other players!
17/12/22 22:32JESSE LINGARD: When you're on a pitch with Lionel Messi, if he turns it on, he's not even human. He's a joke, his football IQ is off-the-scale silly.
Emiliano Martinez says Lionel Messi is playing 'better' than he thought possible as they prepare for Sunday's World Cup final against France, as the Aston Villa goalkeeper labels him 'the greatest player of all time'
17/12/22 22:31Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez says Argentina, roared on by 50,000 of their own fans, have what it takes to beat France.
'Messi carries the whole side on his shoulders': Mario Kempes carried Argentina to World Cup victory in 1978... as Sunday's final against France approaches, he reminds the current generation 'the runner-up is forgotten'
17/12/22 22:31You will remember him as the handsome gaucho, long locks flowing behind him as he ran across the pitch to celebrate the goal that won Argentina the World Cup.
'Even some French don't want us to win! But that does not bother me': Tough nut France boss Didier Deschamps gets no credit but he is planning to spoil the party for Lionel Messi and Co in Sunday's World Cup final
17/12/22 22:30IAN HERBERT: Before the fire and brimstone of a match which seems to be France against the world on Sunday, Didier Deschamps' mind will stray to thoughts of loss and the bigger picture.
Lionel Messi could become just the NINTH player ever to win the World Cup, Champions League and Ballon d'Or in their careers... Beckenbauer, Zidane and Ronaldinho are among those greats to win this football 'triple crown', but who else has done it?
17/12/22 20:15As well as the fairytale narrative of Messi potentially winning the one medal he most craves to cap off his career at his last World Cup, he could also join an elite band of players this Sunday.
Olivier Giroud and Raphael Varane are both doubts for Sunday's World Cup final after they were 'excluded from Didier Deschamps' final training side on Saturday', with Marcus Thuram and Dayot Upamecano coming in
17/12/22 19:38There are doubts over the fitness of both Raphael Varane and Olivier Giroud after the pair were not included in a team for France's closed training session on Saturday.
Lionel Messi leads Argentina through their last training session before World Cup final showdown with France... after goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez hit back at Kylian Mbappe for claiming South American football is 'not as advanced' as Europe
17/12/22 19:29Lionel Messi and Co continued their preparations for the match as they took to the training field at Qatar University for the last time before Sunday's final.
'Both have been very influential': Arsene Wenger believes Olivier Giroud and Julian Alvarez could be the unlikely heroes in the World Cup final - with the pressure on Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi to deliver the trophy
17/12/22 15:57Arsene Wenger believes that Sunday's World Cup final could be more about unlikely heroes Olivier Giroud and Julian Alvarez rather than headliners Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni insists the World Cup final with France is 'more than just Messi vs Mbappe' but wants his team 'to put in a collective effort' to stop Les Bleus' star player
17/12/22 15:08Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has insisted that tomorrow's World Cup final with France is 'much more than Lionel Messi against Kylian Mbappe'.
Zinedine Zidane 'will NOT attend France's World Cup final against Argentina' because he 'doesn't want to steal the limelight' amid speculation he is set to replace Didier Deschamps in 2023
17/12/22 14:52The French legend, who won the tournament with Deschamps in 1998, will not be at the Lusail Stadium to see if Les Bleus can claim their third World Cup.
'He walked past me in the tunnel and I was like a fan': Aston Villa defender Matty Cash admits he was star-struck facing Lionel Messi at the World Cup... and reveals how he got to meet Ronaldinho on his holiday afterwards!
17/12/22 12:38Matty Cash has described the moment he bumped into Brazilian legend Ronaldinho whilst walking on the beach in Qatar and playing against Lionel Messi at the World Cup.
Messi gets his room-mate back! Sergio Aguero is bizarrely bunking with his old pal again at Argentina's team hotel ahead of the World Cup final against France... after the PSG star decided to sleep on his own when the Man City legend retired
17/12/22 11:38Lionel Messi has been reunited with former team-mate and close friend Sergio Aguero, after the former Man City star joined the Argentina squad and is now rooming with the Argentinian skipper.
France receive a major boost on the eve of the World Cup final with ALL of the players struggling with a virus back in training... meaning Raphael Varane, Ibrahima Konate and Kingsley Coman will be ready to face Argentina tomorrow
17/12/22 11:31France have received a massive boost ahead of tomorrow's World Cup final as all of the players who have struggled with a virus have been cleared to return to training tonight.
Hugo Lloris says the 'adrenaline' of playing in a World Cup final will help France push through as a virus sweeps through their squad - as he insists their clash with Argentina is 'not just about Lionel Messi'
17/12/22 11:09Defenders Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate did not train on Friday after Adrien Rabiot, Dayot Upamecano and Kingsley Coman felt unwell for Wednesday evening's semi-final win.
Can Kylian Mbappe ever hope to achieve Lionel Messi's God-like status? And will he have to leave PSG to do so? Sportsmail's Chris Sutton and Ian Herbert debate the French star in today's WORLD CUP CONFIDENTIAL
17/12/22 10:36Lionel Messi, at the age of 35, has the opportunity to cement his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time by claiming the one prize he has always coveted above all else.
Ousmane Dembele hails former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi as 'exceptional' ahead of France's World Cup final against Argentina and insists his side will 'make sure he touches the ball as little as possible'
17/12/22 09:22After Ousmane Dembele left Borussia Dortmund for Barcelona in 2017, he played alongside Lionel Messi for four seasons at the Nou Camp. They will be reunited at Sunday's World Cup final.
Gary Neville snubs England's Jude Bellingham as the best young player in his World Cup awards, hands Lionel Messi the top prize over final rival Kylian Mbappe and says Cristiano Ronaldo OVERACHIEVED in Qatar, despite Portugal's struggles
17/12/22 08:42Gary Neville has picked Lionel Messi as his player of the tournament while has snubbed Jude Bellingham as the best young player of the World Cup in Qatar.
WORLD CUP RECAP: All the latest news and updates ahead of epic final between Argentina and France... as Croatia beat Morocco 2-1 to clinch third place in Qatar
17/12/22 08:22Follow Sportsmail's live blog for all the latest World Cup news and updates, as Croatia beat Morocco 2-1 to clinch third place in Qatar...while we build up to Sunday's final between Argentina and France.
France will abandon their tricolour kit and wear an all-blue strip in World Cup final against Argentina... the SAME strip Les Bleus wore during their epic 2018 final wearing blue shorts and socks
16/12/22 23:49France defeated Morocco 2-0 on Wednesday night to advance to their second consecutive final and are now on the cusp of becoming the first team since Brazil to win back-to-back World Cups.
MARTIN KEOWN: Lionel Scaloni will leave France guessing before the World Cup final... expect the Argentina boss to twist - and Didier Deschamps to stick with his winning formula
16/12/22 22:32MARTIN KEOWN: Lionel Scaloni, the youngest boss at this World Cup, has shown his tactical nous by adapting Argentina's system depending on their opponent.
The midfield battle will be crucial, Nahuel Molina must keep Kylian Mbappe quiet and Aurelien Tchouameni has to stop Lionel Messi... CHRIS SUTTON assesses three key battles ahead of Argentina vs France in the World Cup final
16/12/22 22:31CHRIS SUTTON: Plenty has been written about Kylian Mbappe vs Lionel Messi and the respective threats they bring - and it will be down to Argentina and France's defences to stop them.
A feisty seven-goal thriller, more shoot-out heroics from Emiliano Martinez or a comfortable win for Les Bleus? Sportsmail's experts give their predictions as Argentina and France prepare to meet in the World Cup final
16/12/22 22:31Lionel Messi has the chance to top off his legendary career by finally winning football's greatest prize, but standing in his way is a France side containing PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe.
Breathtaking hat-tricks, tearing Arsenal to shreds single-handedly and THAT El Clasico winner: Sportsmail's experts recall their magical Lionel Messi moments as his Argentina side prepare to face France in the World Cup final
16/12/22 22:30Messi has built his reputation on magic moment after magic moment, from his first outings as a long-haired teenager at Barcelona to his age-defying run against Croatia.
Argentina's Emiliano Martinez will hold talks with Aston Villa after the World Cup final... as Unai Emery looks to have his goalkeeper available for their Boxing Day clash with Liverpool
16/12/22 22:30The Villa goalkeeper will play the biggest game of his life on Sunday as his side Argentina side take on holders France, attempting to win their third World Cup and their first since 1986.
IAN LADYMAN: Argentina and Lionel Messi are dreaming of a fairy-tale ending but Didier Deschamps' army of pragmatists stand in their way... France have put paid to the romantic stories of England and Morocco - they are capable of doing the same on Sunday
16/12/22 22:30IAN LADYMAN IN DOHA: After a month of football and 62 games, we have a final that many would have wanted. A clash of continents and a contrast of styles.
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'I am a woman': Victorious gender scandal boxer Imane Khelif takes aim at her 'bullies and enemies' after claiming Olympic gold with win over Yang Liu
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Pep Guardiola insists Man City are in no rush to sign new players despite Man United and Arsenal's transfer activity... and addresses what his side will do to replace Julian Alvarez
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Algeria's Imane Khelif credits 'eight years of work and no sleep' for winning Olympic boxing gold amid gender controversy
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Piers Morgan forced to delete social media post after gender row boxer Imane Khelif triumphs over China's Yang Liu to claim Olympic gold
more stars of sport
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David de Gea 'agrees a one-year deal with Fiorentina' - as Spaniard looks to FINALLY end his search for a new club
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Noah Lyles' Olympic rival speaks out after Team USA star ran the 200m final with COVID - without telling his fellow sprinters
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Letsile Tebogo delivers savage verdict on 'arrogant' Noah Lyles after beating Team USA sprinter to win 200m gold at 2024 Olympics
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Phil Foden poses with social media star son Ronnie, five, in matching lemon outfits - just days after neighbours 'called police over late night children's party
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Thomas Muller declares himself an Olympic champion after his supporting role in a German gold medal triumph at Paris 2024
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Mikel Arteta insists Saka and Rice 'have to be ready' for start of the Premier League season as England stars return in friendly win over Bayer Leverkusen
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OnlyFans star Alysha Newman celebrates Olympic bronze by TWERKING to the crowd - as Canadian pole vaulter clears national record 4.85m
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Former Team USA gymnast Gabby Douglas slams Simone Biles comparisons and says she's tired of 'constantly being bullied' online
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Matthew Hudson-Smith breaks down in tears after missing out on Olympic gold to Quincy Hall as Team GB star accepts 'the better man won'
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Team GB star George Mills breaks silence on his furious clash with French opponent Hugo Hay... after son of former Premier League star was knocked down in chaotic 5,000m heat
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Team USA gold medalist Ryan Crouser shows off simple trick that explains why he won shot put gold at 2024 Olympics
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Charley Hull reveals why she's had a disastrous start to 2024 Olympics... and it has nothing to do with the cigarette ban
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From steeplechase to church steeple! French athletics star PROPOSES to her boyfriend at Paris Olympics
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Aussie sprinter Michelle Jenneke is sent flying during nasty fall in the 100m hurdles - and then nearly trips over the very next one in nightmare race
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Glamorous swimmer Luana Alonso is fired a fresh warning by Olympics chief after being kicked out of athletes village for 'inappropriate conduct'
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Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis appears on morning TV 'visibly hungover' the day after his record-smashing jump in the Olympic pole vault final
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Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix is left in tears after missing out on a medal - as daughter of TV host Fred admits 'I didn't want to be alive three years ago'
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Thierry Henry shows off his dance moves after France triumph 3-1 over Egypt to reach the gold medal match at Paris Olympics as footage goes viral
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VAR officials removed from Champions League qualifier involving Rangers after being 'caught by police stealing a road sign
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Glamorous Olympic swimmer Luana Alonso breaks her silence amid reports she was kicked out of athletes village over 'inappropriate conduct'
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The wholesome moment the UK cheered Keely Hodgkinson to glory: Gabby Logan and Jess Ennis-Hill roar her on from the studio as loved ones cheer
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Gabby Logan reveals her conspiracy theory about the 2024 Paris Olympics bell live on BBC - as the TV host vows to get to the bottom of the mystery
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Swedish pole vault star Armand Duplantis wins Olympic gold with a new WORLD RECORD - as he celebrates by mimicking Turkish shooter who went viral
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Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles slammed by NFL star over 'disgusting' gesture after bowing out of Olympics with silver and bronze in floor final
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Simone Biles appears to HIT OUT at Olympics crowd after falling off beam - as American teammate Suni Lee blames 'tense' atmosphere in Paris
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Fans claim Kishane Thompson 'was ROBBED' in 100m final after he was beaten by America's Noah Lyles by FIVE THOUSANDTHS of a second
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Phil Foden poses with a prize catch as the Man City star rounds off his pre-season holiday by landing a huge fish on a five-day family trip to a £14-a-day lake
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The moment a South Korean Olympian breaks down in TEARS as he fails to avoid national military service after missing out on a medal in men's golf
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Team GB men's hockey side suffer penalty shootout heartbreak against 10-man India as they crash out of the Paris Olympics
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Convicted child rapist Steven van de Velde CRASHES OUT of Olympics in last-16 stage as the Dutch beach volleyball player is again loudly booed
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Dina Asher-Smith is reduced to tears during BBC interview as the Team GB star admits she is 'running angry' in the 200m after 100m sprint exit
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Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys - 'the once hairiest man on TV' - undergoes hair transplant treatment in bizarre video
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'How embarrassing': Fans react as Estonia's Karel Tilga's pole vault attempt goes wrong during decathlon at Paris Olympics
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Olympics fans stunned by Femke Bol's voice after clip resurfaces of sprinter months before she stole 4x400 gold for the Netherlands
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Snoop Dogg leaves fans in stitches as he dons bizarre equestrian outfit to watch dressage with close pal Martha Stewart at Olympics: 'Snoop Thee Stallion'
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Gender row boxer Imane Khelif breaks down in tears after beating Hungary's Anna Luca Hamori to guarantee medal at the Paris Olympics
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Imane Khelif BEATS Anna Luca Hamori via unanimous decision despite being docked a point for holding as gender row boxer guarantees medal
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Footage of Yusuf Dikec doing the EXACT same pose in 2011 when he won the World Cup Series resurfaces after pic of Turkish shooter goes viral
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Olympics chief makes blunder in unexpected presser before defending Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting's participation in women's boxing
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Simone Biles wins ANOTHER Olympic gold! USA gymnastics legends triumphs in vault final to make more history at Paris Games
Makes more history
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Italian boxer who lost to 'failed gender test' Khelif will receive Olympic champion prize money from International Boxing Association
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Chelsea locked in talks with Conor Gallagher to avoid England star going into exile after he was told he will NOT be part of first-team squad - as Atletico set deadline for Blues midfielder to agree £34m move
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Keely Hodgkinson eases to victory in 800m Olympic heat as Team GB superstar advances in quest for athletics gold medal
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Duncan Scott wins Olympic silver in men's 200m medley as the Team GB star becomes Scotland's greatest-ever Olympian with eighth medal - while Leon Marchand collects fourth gold in Paris
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Novak Djokovic is booed in semi-final win as he clashes with umpire and his own box... but recovers his composure to set up rematch with Carlos Alcaraz at Paris Olympics
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Bryony Page hopes to run away to the circus after springing to gold as the Brit bounces clear of rivals... then sets her sights on Cirque du Soleil
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Team GB star praised for showing an 'elite mentality' in honest interview after finishing eighth in the BMX final at the Paris Olympics
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Convicted child rapist Steven van de Velde and the Netherlands reach the last-16 in the beach volleyball at the Paris Olympics... as the Dutchman is again booed loudly by spectators
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New look for Cristiano Ronaldo? Al-Nassr star seen sporting a pair of glasses while on holiday in Madrid with Georgina Rodriguez!
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Louis van Gaal, 72, gives latest health update as he battles prostate cancer and reveals his surprise at being offered shock job by a European giant
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Boxer Sitora Turdibekova leaves ring in TEARS after taking brutal blows during Olympic beating by second 'failed gender test' Lin Yu-ting
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Liverpool unveil new 'night forest' away kit - and will debut the £125 strip in final USA pre-season tour clash against fierce rivals Man United this weekend
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MAN UNITED CONFIDENTIAL: Rasmus Hojlund recovers in a cryotherapy chamber - and why Leny Yoro's absence isn't all bad
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Dan Evans SOBS as Olympics and Team GB team-mate Andy Murray's career comes to an end after their heartbreaking exit from the men's doubles
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Andy Murray jokes he 'never even liked tennis anyway' minutes after his glittering career comes to an end... as he makes a change to his social media bio
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Man City Erling Haaland jokingly scolds reporters after they fail to welcome the Norwegian superstar to pre-season press conference
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Revealed: What Italian opponent of 'biological male' boxer at centre of Olympics row told her corner after she WITHDREW from fight after 46 seconds
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BBC presenter Clare Balding breaks down in TEARS live on air as Andy Murray's stunning career comes to an end with Olympic doubles heartbreak in Paris
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Adam Peaty hands HUGE boost to Team GB ahead of relay races as swimming superstar is pictured back in the pool just days after a positive Covid test
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Leny Yoro could be out for TWO MONTHS amid fears he's fractured his metatarsal in blow for Man United - with new signing spotted on crutches
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Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal are knocked OUT of the Paris Olympics as dream Spanish pairing fall short in men's doubles against USA
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Fred Sirieix fights back tears as he tells his daughter Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix live on air that he is 'bursting' with pride after bronze medal
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Saudi Arabia unveil 11 new futuristic stadium concepts in their bid to host 2034 World Cup - with a 92,000-capacity mega-ground to host the final
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EXCLUSIVEJohn Barnes on Jurgen Klopp 'stealing his thunder' before Arne Slot's arrival and what Darwin Nunez must do to be the 'best in the world'
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Brazilian swimmer breaks silence after she was BANISHED from the Olympics for sneaking out 'to go on a night out in Paris' with her boyfriend
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The blueprint for Sir Jim Ratcliffe's new stadium plan? SoFi Satdium has a 120-yard screen, jaw-dropping luxury suites and a futuristic roof
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Lamine Yamal 'UNFOLLOWS his TiKTok influencer girlfriend' after she was shown in a viral video sitting on another boy's lap
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Mason Greenwood scores just 30 minutes into his first Marseille appearance after his £30m move from Man United, as Roberto De Zerbi's side impress
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Tom Daley's diving partner Noah Williams breaks down in tears after winning Olympics silver - as he pays tribute to former coach who passed away
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Matt Richards reveals he thought he had touched the wall FIRST after missing out on Olympic gold in 200m freestyle final to David Popovici by 0.02sec
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'Seems like he's reinvented himself after his West Ham loan': Kalvin Phillips is mocked by fans as clip of midfielder dwelling on the ball goes viral
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French cyclist knocked-out in HORROR Olympic mountain bike crash BUT her coach declares she will 'come back STRONGER'
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Son of ex-Liverpool star who won the Champions League in 2005 signs scholarship contract with the Reds as he follows in father's footsteps
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Fans impressed after 'middle-aged man disrobes to just a Speedo' before diving into the pool to retrieve lost property
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Adam Peaty reveals what son George, 3, told him after his Olympic heartbreak in Paris - as he admits he thought he'd won gold in incredibly close finish
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Fencing fury as world No 1 Sandro Bazadze rages at referee for 'killing' him, before ranting: 'The Olympic Games... fairness, where is fairness?'
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Trent Alexander-Arnold is spotted signing a young Real Madrid fan's shirt during holiday with Jude Bellingham
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West Brom's pre-season 'friendly' against Mallorca turns violent as fight breaks out as Jayson Molumby PUNCHES opponent
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Endrick moved to tears as '43,000 fans' turn up to see his Real Madrid unveiling at the Santiago Bernabeu just days after the Brazilian teen finally joined
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Marcus Rashford's luxury Range Rover hit by 'drink driver' in shock incident with Man United team-mate Tyrell Malacia taken to hospital
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Team GB WIN their first medal of the Olympic Games as Yasmin Harper and Scarlett Mew Jensen claim bronze in 3m synchronised diving
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Heavy rain continues to wreck havoc at Paris Olympics as swimming practice for men's triathlon is thrown into doubt... with concerns over River Seine safety
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Watch the INCREDIBLE transformation of an Olympic swimming pool - as £300m La Defense Arena prepares to welcome Adam Peaty
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Meet Team GB's WAGs: Gordon Ramsay's influencer daughter, the dental hygienist-turned entrepreneur and ex- Geordie Shore star
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Andy Murray shares fan's hilarious post that claims tennis star 'will start rusting out in the rain' during eye-catching Paris Olympics opening ceremony
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EXCLUSIVESpoonfuls of caviar, $500 tips and giant TVs with his victorious fights on loop... how boxing great Floyd Mayweather likes to party
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She wants a Porsche if she wins gold at the Paris Olympics but Team GB's poster girl is just as driven on the track - meet the REAL Keely Hodgkinson
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Fans claim that PSG star Achraf Hakimi is driving the Morocco team bus at the Olympics in France in viral video - or is it an uncanny resemblance?
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'Who is this and what has he done with Mikel Arteta?': Fans are left shocked by Arsenal manager's appearance in new video as he previews new season
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Max Verstappen fires back at critics as he tells them to look at his trophy cabinet and DENIES claims Red Bull have told him to stop staying up late
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Mason Greenwood 'set to pocket £14,000-a-month in rent from Leny Yoro', as Man United's £52m signing 'snaps up his £2MILLION mansion' after Old Trafford exit
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Man City hopeful Rodri's potential ban for chanting 'Gibraltar is Spanish' at Euro 2024 celebration party will not impact Champions League campaign
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Paul Pogba gives update after being handed a four-year doping ban, as ex-Man United and Juventus star opens up on 'difficult time'
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola mocks his player Jack Grealish for reaching the latter stages of a quick-thinking game in pre-season
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BRENTFORD'S GREATEST EVER PLAYER: The Bees owe a lot to the goals of David McCulloch... but who do YOU think is the club's all-time star?
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Graeme Souness singles out Man United captain Bruno Fernandes for 'throwing in the towel' as he SLAMS lack of leaders in modern football
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Jarrad Branthwaite has NO intention of signing a new Everton contract unless Goodison Park chiefs match the wages offered by Man United
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Paddy 'The Baddy' Pimblett opens up on mental health struggles ahead of UFC 304 and reveals his coaches considered 'pulling him out' of fight
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Man United urged to be 'ruthless' in selling Harry Maguire this summer by Dwight Yorke, with a SHOCK move to Premier League rival proposed
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Ben White 'considering a shock return to the England set-up' after Gareth Southgate's departure and the exit of Steve Holland
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Andy Murray has not spoken to Emma Raducanu since her withdrawal ended his Wimbledon farewell and defends mother Judy's reaction
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Jose Mourinho lashes out at UEFA after making winning start to life at Fenerbahce, as Edin Dzeko nets hat-trick in Champions League qualifier
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Revealed: The video footage that shows Charlotte Dujardin whipping horse 'like an elephant in a circus' - as dressage star is suspended in shame
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The real reason seats at Anfield have been covered up after Liverpool fans thought Trent Alexander-Arnold could be signing a new contract
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Man United fans rave over 'leaked' Old Trafford tunnel redesign after video shows traditional walkway's 'stunning' overhaul ahead of new season
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Francis Ngannou opens up on the death of his 15-month-old son during emotional interview - as ex-UFC champion reveals how it 'broke' him
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Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk unveils new hairstyle after cutting off long blonde locks in favour of eye-catching 'Top Boy'-inspired trim
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Wayne Rooney's footballer son Kai, 14, wows fans in training video as they claim he 'learnt from his dad' - and call for him to join Man United's first team!
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England hero Ollie Watkins pictured in Milan with fiancee Ellie Alderson after proposing on holiday as he puts Euro 2024 agony behind him
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What happened to Leon Goretzka? Fans shocked by Bayern Munich midfielder's body transformation as some joke that Harry Kane is to blame
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Shocking moment Norwegian referee shows a PHYSIO a red card - on weekend of chaos where anti-VAR protests caused abandoned match
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Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois throws CAKE at fans AGAIN after joining Steve Aoki on stage at Tomorrowland in Belgium
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Jack Grealish is 'STILL on edge after £1m raid on his £5.6m home eight months ago' - as Man City star 'worries thieves will never be caught'
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Alexander Zverev and Arthur Fils clash in heated Hamburg Open final after Frenchman unleashes controversial underarm serve during the match
