Lionel Messi surpasses 100 career goals for Argentina
March 29, 2023 GMTSANTIAGO DEL ESTERO, Argentina (AP) — Lionel Messi scored a hat trick and surpassed 100 career goals for Argentina with three in the first half of Tuesday's international friendly against Curacao. The World Cup winners beat the Caribbean side 7-0 in their second match since clinching the trophy in December.
Messi honored with a statue at South America’s soccer HQ
March 28, 2023 GMTLUQUE, Paraguay (AP) — The tributes continue to pour in for Lionel Messi following Argentina's World Cup triumph.
South American soccer's governing body on Monday presented the 35-year-old Argentine star with a statue, which will be placed in the CONMEBOL museum next to those of Pelé and Diego Maradona.
Messi mania grips Argentina in 1st match as World Cup champs
March 24, 2023 GMTBUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Messi mania gripped Buenos Aires as the Argentina national team led by Lionel Messi beat Panama 2-0 on Thursday in a friendly match that was essentially a celebration of their World Cup victory last December.
Argentina beats Panama in 1st match after World Cup title
March 24, 2023 GMTBUENOS AIRES (AP) — The 83,000 screaming fans were not disappointed in Lionel Messi and his Argentina team's first international match since lifting the World Cup title last December.
Messi's Argentina beat Panama 2-0 with two late goals Thursday night at the Monumental de Nunez Stadium in Buenos Aires, in the first of two matches for the team to celebrate its triumph in Qatar.
Messi mania in Argentina as soccer star mobbed at restaurant
March 21, 2023 GMTBUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — A steakhouse in the trendy Buenos Aires neighborhood of Palermo was mobbed by hundreds of frenzied soccer fans late Monday night when word spread that Lionel Messi was inside having dinner.
Haaland hits 5, Pep reveals Julia Roberts disappointment
March 15, 2023 GMTMANCHESTER, England (AP) — On a night when Erling Haaland set new standards in the Champions League, Pep Guardiola was preoccupied with Hollywood star Julia Roberts.
Never mind a record equalling five goals in one match – or the Manchester City striker becoming the fastest and youngest player to score 30 in European club soccer’s elite competition.
Gunmen threaten Messi, shoot up family-owned supermarket
March 2, 2023 GMTBUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Gunmen threatened Argentine soccer superstar Lionel Messi in a written message left Thursday when they opened fire at a supermarket owned by his in-laws in Argentina, police said.
Alaba abused, Croatia coach critical following FIFA awards
February 28, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Real Madrid defender David Alaba was racially abused on social media after voting for Lionel Messi, and Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić accused FIFA of disrespect on Tuesday in fallout from the soccer body’s annual awards ceremony.
Messi and Putellas voted best players at FIFA awards again
February 28, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — World Cup champion Lionel Messi edged Kylian Mbappé again, this time to take FIFA’s best men’s player award on Monday.
The best women’s player was Spain's Alexia Putellas for a second straight year.
Mbappé and Messi combine as leader PSG wins 3-0 at Marseille
February 26, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Kylian Mbappé scored twice and Lionel Messi got the other goal as the World Cup final stars combined to give French league leader Paris Saint-Germain a 3-0 win at title challenger Marseille.
Almada, Chicharito among MLS players to watch this season
February 23, 2023 GMTThe biggest winner in the Major League Soccer offseason transfer market ended up being the rumor mill.
Whether it was the apparent flirtation between Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, or the interest that Los Angeles FC had for Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, neither came to fruition and the MLS offseason was devoid of a splashy incoming international move.
Mbappe, Messi inspire PSG to 4-3 win against Lille
February 19, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain was only minutes away from a fourth consecutive loss on Sunday when Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi came to the rescue to avert a major crisis at the Qatari-backed club.
Rashford scores twice, Man United beats Leicester 3-0
February 19, 2023 GMTMANCHESTER, England (AP) — In this kind of form Marcus Rashford might just fire Manchester United to the Premier League title and more.
The striker scored twice to set up a 3-0 win against Leicester on Sunday as Erik ten Hag's team closed in on second-place Manchester City and kept the pressure on table-topping Arsenal.
Qatar’s emir watches as PSG stumbles in Champions League
February 15, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Making a rare visit to the Parc des Princes, the emir of Qatar watched first hand as Paris Saint-Germain came up short on Europe's biggest stage once again.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was in the stands as Lionel Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappé and the rest of an expensively assembled team lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich on Tuesday, putting the club in danger of another early exit from the Champions League.
PSG lose again to Monaco on eve of Bayern Munich visit
February 11, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — A weakened Paris Saint-Germain lost a second straight game in all competitions to Monaco 3-1 in the French league on Saturday, three days before facing Bayern Munich.
Monaco climbed to third place, seven points behind a rattled PSG, whose lead was cut to five points after second-placed Marseille beat Clermont 2-0.
Messi, Mbappe and Benzema battle for FIFA Best Player award
February 10, 2023 GMTZURICH (AP) — It’s Lionel Messi vs. Kylian Mbappé again, this time for the FIFA Best Men’s Player award for 2022.
Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain and France’s superstar forward head the three-player shortlist announced by FIFA on Friday, eight weeks after leading their teams in an epic final in Qatar.
Messi to be available for Champions League game with Bayern
February 10, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Lionel Messi will be available for the Champions League game against Bayern Munich on Tuesday despite being left out of the squad for this weekend's French league match at Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier said Friday.
European Court rules against Barcelona fans over Messi deal
February 8, 2023 GMTLUXEMBOURG (AP) — The European Court on Wednesday ruled against a Barcelona fan group in France that demanded that the European Commission should investigate whether Paris Saint-Germain unfairly signed Lionel Messi and jeopardized Barcelona’s finances.
Messi’s goal helps French leader PSG beat Toulouse 2-1
February 4, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — After Lionel Messi's second-half goal helped a lackluster Paris Saint-Germain beat Toulouse 2-1 to move eight points clear at the top of the French league on Saturday, the team was urged to lighten their superstar's load.
Messi has doubts about playing 2026 World Cup at age 39
February 3, 2023 GMTBUENOS AIRES (AP) — Lionel Messi may be in doubt as to whether he’ll be still playing for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup but he’s sure about one thing: he wants Lionel Scaloni to stay on as head coach until then, regardless.
Women’s World Cup hosts urge FIFA not to sign Saudi sponsor
February 2, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Women’s World Cup co-hosts Australia and New Zealand urged FIFA on Wednesday not to sign a sponsor deal with the tourism authority of Saudi Arabia where “rights of women remain severely restricted.”
Former Notre Dame midfielder Korbin Albert joins PSG women
January 31, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — American midfielder Korbin Albert has signed a contract with French club Paris Saint-Germain until 2025 after forgoing her remaining eligibility at Notre Dame.
Albert, of Grayslake, Illinois, was regarded as one of the best midfielders in college soccer.
Messi regrets controversy against Dutch at the World Cup
January 30, 2023 GMTBUENOS AIRES (AP) — World Cup winner Lionel Messi regretted his testy exchanges with the Netherlands coach and players during their controversial quarterfinal in Qatar, he said in an interview aired on Monday.
Pedri leads win at Girona in 100th game for Barcelona
January 28, 2023 GMTBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Stymied in attack and without its top two scorers, Barcelona turned to Pedri to ensure they reach the Spanish league midway point ahead of Real Madrid in the title chase.
Pedri marked his 100th Barcelona appearance at the ripe age of 20 by scoring as a substitute to squeeze past Girona 1-0 on Saturday.
Lawyer who worked for Messi joins Alves’ defense team
January 24, 2023 GMTBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — The lawyer who worked for Lionel Messi in his tax fraud case has been added to the defense team of former Barcelona defender Dani Alves, who is facing sexual assault charges.
Madrid rallies past Villarreal in Copa; Barça beats Ceuta
January 19, 2023 GMTMADRID (AP) — Real Madrid appeared on the verge of elimination from the Copa del Rey on Thursday, facing another demoralizing blow just days after losing the Spanish Super Cup final to rival Barcelona in Saudi Arabia.
Bruised Ronaldo scores twice to edge showdown with Messi
January 19, 2023 GMTGrimacing in pain from his bruised cheekbone, Cristiano Ronaldo steadied himself before scoring from the penalty spot for his first goal in Saudi Arabia against a Paris Saint-Germain team featuring old foe Lionel Messi.
Barcelona hopes Super Cup win is turning point after woes
January 16, 2023 GMTMADRID (AP) — Maybe the tough times are finally over for Barcelona.
With a big victory over its main rival on Sunday, Barcelona got back to celebrating — and to feeling good about its future again.
Leader PSG loses 1-0 at Rennes, Monaco routs Ajaccio 7-1
January 15, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappé couldn't stop Paris Saint-Germain losing 1-0 at Rennes for a second straight away defeat in the French league on Sunday as its lead over second-place Lens dropped to three points.
Barcelona wins Super Cup for 1st trophy with Xavi, no Messi
January 15, 2023 GMTMADRID (AP) — Barcelona's title drought with coach Xavi — and without Lionel Messi — is finally over.
Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-1 on Sunday to win the Spanish Super Cup at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and give its fans reasons to celebrate again after a revamping process that began following Messi's departure for Paris Saint-Germain and the arrival of former player Xavi as coach in 2021.
FIFA charges Argentina over World Cup final celebrations
January 13, 2023 GMTZURICH (AP) — FIFA opened a disciplinary case against the Argentine Football Association on Friday for alleged offensive player misconduct and violations of fair play at the World Cup final.
FIFA cited its media and marketing regulations for prosecuting the case, which appears to relate to a boisterous celebration by players running through the interview zone after the game on Dec.
Ronaldo left off FIFA award list headed by Messi, Mbappé
January 12, 2023 GMTZURICH (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo was left off the the 14-player shortlist for the annual Best FIFA Men’s Player award for the first time, with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé among those selected.
Ronaldo, who was released by Manchester United and benched by Portugal during the World Cup, won the FIFA award the first two times it was handed out — in 2016 and 2017 — and was among the three finalists the following three years.
Messi scores in 1st game after World Cup as PSG wins
January 11, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Lionel Messi scored in his first game since leading Argentina to the World Cup title as French league leader Paris Saint-Germain beat Angers 2-0 on Wednesday.
Ronaldo set to face PSG, Messi in first game in Saudi Arabia
January 9, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo’s first game in Saudi Arabia is set to be against Paris Saint-Germain and a possible reunion with his career-long rival Lionel Messi.
Messi vs. Mbappé Part II: World Cup stars chase Ballon d’Or
January 9, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Lionel Messi finally has something Kylian Mbappé already had with a World Cup winners' medal. Now Mbappé wants what Messi has won many times: the Ballon d'Or.
Late goals help PSG beat 3rd-tier Châteauroux in French Cup
January 6, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain needed two late goals to scrape a 3-1 win at third-tier Châteauroux in the French Cup round of 64 on Friday.
PSG coach Christophe Galtier rested star forwards Kylian Mbappé, Neymar and Lionel Messi yet still started with seven international players against a side sitting in a lowly 14th place in the third division.
PSG coach hopes Messi can play next Wednesday
January 5, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier hopes World Cup winner Lionel Messi is ready to play in a French league game at home to Angers next Wednesday.
Ronaldo Saudi move to signal likely end of elite club career
December 31, 2022 GMTLess than two weeks after his great rival Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo has completed a move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr and likely signalled the end of his career in elite club soccer.
Argentines have tattoo fever following World Cup triumph
December 30, 2022 GMTBUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentina has tattoo fever.
Sometimes it’s to fulfill a promise, other times as a way to say thank you or simply to immortalize on the skin what was by all accounts an unforgettable moment.
PSG braced for tough test at Lens, without Messi and Neymar
December 30, 2022 GMTPARIS (AP) — French league leader Paris Saint-Germain faces its toughest test of the season Sunday when it travels to play a Lens side which has won all of its home games.
Loyal to Santos, Pelé toured and scored in Europe
December 30, 2022 GMTMADRID (AP) — Pelé or Diego Maradona? Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?
Endless arguments over the greatest player in the history of men's soccer can often see cheap hits aimed at Pelé, who died Thursday at age 82, with the claim that he wasn't tested on the European stage against some of the best clubs in the world — unlike other soccer greats.
Thursday’s Sports In Brief
December 30, 2022 GMTSOCCER
SAO PAULO (AP) — Pelé, the Brazilian king of soccer who won a record three World Cups and became one of the most commanding sports figures of the last century, died Thursday. He was 82.
Pelé, Brazil’s mighty king of ‘beautiful game,’ has died
December 29, 2022 GMTSAO PAULO (AP) — Pelé, the Brazilian king of soccer who won a record three World Cups and became one of the most commanding sports figures of the last century, died Thursday.
As ‘The King,’ Pelé enchanted fans and dazzled opponents
December 29, 2022 GMTSAO PAULO (AP) — Pelé was simply “The King.” He embraced “the beautiful game” of soccer in his 1958 World Cup debut for Brazil and never really let go.
He won a record three World Cups and was widely regarded as one of his sport's greatest players.
Nobody disputes Pelé’s greatness but goal count fuels debate
December 29, 2022 GMTNobody disputes Pelé’s greatness and his penchant for scoring. The exact number of goals in his career will forever be a topic for debate.
Pelé often said one of the reasons he should be considered the greatest player of all time was because of his feat of scoring more than 1,000 goals.
Mbappé haunted by France loss, not bitter toward Argentina
December 29, 2022 GMTPARIS (AP) — Kylian Mbappé may always be haunted by France's loss in the World Cup final, but says he bears no bitterness over the way Argentina celebrated and won't let the defeat hold him back with Paris Saint-Germain.
Mbappé saves PSG with late penalty; teen Ben Seghir shines
December 28, 2022 GMTPARIS (AP) — World Cup superstar Kylian Mbappé scored a penalty deep into stoppage time as unbeaten league-leader Paris Saint-Germain overcame Neymar's red card to scrape a 2-1 home win against Strasbourg on Wednesday.
PSG stars Mbappé, Neymar fired up as French league resumes
December 27, 2022 GMTPARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain stars Kylian Mbappé and Neymar could take out their World Cup frustrations on struggling Strasbourg when the French league resumes on Wednesday.
AP PHOTOS: Favorite photos from AP staff at the World Cup
December 24, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — A World Cup that ended with Lionel Messi finally holding the golden trophy in his hands produced some unforgettable images from the staff of Associated Press photographers at the tournament in Qatar.
AP Photos: In 2022, sports brought every imaginable emotion
December 23, 2022 GMTEmotion.
Sport is the forum where it cannot be hidden, where the feelings that are pulsing through someone’s core at a particular moment — be it good or bad, joy or pain, exhilaration or anguish, relief or regret — can be captured in a single image.
FIFA reviews chef’s ‘undue access’ to hold World Cup trophy
December 22, 2022 GMTZURICH (AP) — FIFA is taking “appropriate internal action” to address breaches of World Cup protocol by a celebrity chef who held the gold trophy on the field, soccer’s governing body said Thursday.
Argentina’s government defends chaotic World Cup parade
December 21, 2022 GMTBUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentina’s government on Wednesday defended the mammoth parade held to welcome home the World Cup winners even though the event was abruptly cut short amid organizational chaos.
Today in Sports History-Messi scores 644th record goal
December 21, 2022 GMTDec. 22
1894 — The United States Golf Association is founded, becoming the governing body for the game in the country.
1915 — The Federal League folds. Owners of the American and National Leagues buy out half of the owners (Pittsburgh, Newark, Buffalo, and Brooklyn) of the Federal League teams.
Millions jam Buenos Aires streets to celebrate World Cup win
December 21, 2022 GMTBUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — A parade to celebrate the Argentine World Cup champions was abruptly cut short Tuesday as millions of people poured onto thoroughfares, highways and overpasses in a chaotic attempt to catch a glimpse of the national team that won one of the great World Cup finals of all time.
FIFA mostly wins big but loses some trust at Qatar World Cup
December 19, 2022 GMTEven before an epic final won by Lionel Messi and Argentina, FIFA president Gianni Infantino was calling it “the best World Cup ever” in Qatar.
Messi, Mbappe give Qatar the perfect World Cup ending
December 19, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — When it comes to soccer, money can buy the world.
It can pay for the World Cup. And the world’s best players. And it can bundle them all up into a perfect package and present it to a global audience of millions.
With Mbappé and Deschamps, France’s future looks just fine
December 19, 2022 GMTLUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — France played its part in one of the most memorable finishes in World Cup history, even though the defending champions failed to retain the title.
World Cup review: Best and worst of the tournament in Qatar
December 19, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — After 64 matches, 172 goals and one of the best finals in history, the 2022 World Cup is over.
Argentina is the champion for the third time after beating France in a penalty shootout.
Messi finally wins World Cup; what’s next for Argentina?
December 19, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi ended his long wait for the World Cup title in one of the most memorable finals in history.
Messi was at his most inspirational, scoring two goals to take his total for the tournament to seven and delivering his country's third World Cup triumph as Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw through extra time.
Weekend Sports In Brief
December 19, 2022 GMTSOCCER
LUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi’s once-in-a-generation career is complete: He is a World Cup champion.
In probably the wildest final in the tournament’s 92-year history, Argentina won its third World Cup title by beating France 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw featuring two goals from the 35-year-old Messi and a hat trick by his heir apparent, Frech forward Kylian Mbappé.
Argentines erupt in joy after epic World Cup final
December 19, 2022 GMTBUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentines let loose on Sunday and streets across the country became places of celebration after an epic World Cup final in which the national team beat France on penalties.
Messi’s hometown of Rosario celebrates after World Cup win
December 19, 2022 GMTROSARIO, Argentina (AP) — The streets of Lionel Messi’s hometown of Rosario erupted in celebration on Sunday after Argentina beat France to win its third World Cup title.
“We’re champions, which is all we wanted, more than anything for (Messi) and for the whole team,” Santiago Ferraris, 25, said.
World Cup final ends just in time for Fox’s NFL coverage
December 18, 2022 GMTKylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi provided more drama leading up to Sunday's early NFL games on Fox than Howie Long and Terry Bradshaw.
Sunday's World Cup final in Qatar between Argentina and France went to extra time and penalty kicks, bumping Fox's “NFL Sunday” pregame show off the air.
Messi wins World Cup to push claim to be soccer’s GOAT
December 18, 2022 GMTLUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — After finally winning the World Cup, Lionel Messi made his strongest case yet to be considered soccer’s greatest player of all time.
It will never be possible to say definitively, though, even after Argentina's 4-2 penalty shootout victory over France on Sunday in the final at Lusail Stadium.
Pelé congratulates Messi and Mbappé after World Cup final
December 18, 2022 GMTSAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil great Pelé congratulated Lionel Messi and Argentina for winning the World Cup and Kylian Mbappé for his goal-scoring exploits in Sunday's final.
Messi wins World Cup, Argentina beats France on penalties
December 18, 2022 GMTLUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi, wearing a black Qatari robe over his blue-and-white Argentina shirt, kissed the World Cup, shuffled toward his teammates and hoisted the golden trophy high in the air.
Mbappé electrifies in World Cup epic, ends up on losing side
December 18, 2022 GMTLUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — Kylian Mbappé scored a hat trick seemingly from out of nowhere to electrify the World Cup final, he ended the tournament as the leading scorer with eight goals, and he still missed out on winning a second straight title.
Messi plans to play on for Argentina after World Cup win
December 18, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi is not ready to walk away from Argentina yet, despite ending his pursuit of a World Cup winner's medal.
The soccer great secured the one major trophy that has eluded him in his storied career as Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties in the final at Lusail Stadium on Sunday.
France’s dismay mixed with awe for Messi in World Cup final
December 18, 2022 GMTPARIS (AP) — In the pain, there also was consolation. Losing to Argentina in the World Cup final wasn't the ending that heart-broken France fans hoped for.
Live updates | Argentina wins World Cup final against France
December 18, 2022 GMTLUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — The Latest from the World Cup final between Argentina and France:
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Lionel Messi says he cannot wait to return to Argentina with the World Cup trophy.
Messi, Mbappé lead selections for AP’s team of the World Cup
December 18, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé head the selections for the team of the tournament as chosen by writers covering the World Cup for The Associated Press.
Messi makes his record 26th appearance at the World Cup
December 18, 2022 GMTLUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi is making a record 26th appearance at the World Cup, breaking a tie with Germany great Lothar Matthäus.
Messi’s games have been spread over five World Cups, starting in 2006.
Deschamps, France feeling ‘alone’ ahead of World Cup final
December 17, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — France coach Didier Deschamps knows most neutral fans want Argentina to win the World Cup final to give Lionel Messi the perfect send-off from soccer's biggest tournament.
Scaloni answers critics with Argentina’s World Cup final run
December 17, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Argentina’s gamble paid off.
Criticism came quickly when Lionel Scaloni was hired as the unqualified, somewhat accidental coach of Argentina’s national team in 2018.
How, the nay-sayers said, could someone with no club experience — in fact, no senior coaching experience at all — be expected to lead a squad containing the great Lionel Messi?
Argentines flock to Qatar for chance to win the World Cup
December 17, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — From a soccer-crazed country known for its world-class players and its repeated economic crises, Argentine fans are making great sacrifices to be in Qatar to see their team try to win the World Cup for the first time in 36 years.
Argentina fans adopt ‘Muchachos’ as their World Cup anthem
December 17, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — “Muchachos” has become a hugely popular unofficial anthem of Argentine fans at the World Cup.
The song, which was written by a fan, includes references to soccer greats Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.
How Argentina can beat France in the World Cup final
December 17, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi stands on the brink of a long-awaited World Cup winner's medal as Argentina faces defending champions France in Sunday's final.
EXPLAINER: Why are Argentines such ardent World Cup fans?
December 17, 2022 GMTArgentina arguably has the World Cup's most fervent fans, known for their rhythmical singing, incessant drumming and trance-like ferocity.
The country's history of success at the World Cup — champions in 1978 and 1986, and runners-up three times — is rivaled by few.