Football

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward, has declared that he is savoring his "last battles" with the national team after scoring in a 2-0 victory over Canada in the Copa America semifinals. The win secured Argentina's place in the final, where they will face either Uruguay or Colombia.Messi, now 37 years old, has been a pivotal figure in Argentina's recent success, leading them to the 2022 World Cup triumph and the 2021 Copa America title. He has yet to indicate whether he will continue playing for Argentina beyond the 2026 World Cup, which will feature a final at the New Jersey venue.After a lackluster performance against Ecuador in the quarter-finals, Messi showcased his brilliance against Canada, connecting seamlessly with Angel Di Maria and strike partner Julian Alvarez, who also scored."I'm living it like I lived it in the last Copa America, in the last World Cup....these are the last battles and I'm enjoying them to the maximum," Messi said after the win.Messi's comments have sparked speculation about his future with Argentina, but coach Lionel Scaloni has urged for calm. "We have to leave him alone, he knows that we will not be the ones to close the door on him. He can stay with us as long as he wants, even when he retires...Let him decide what he wants," Scaloni said.Messi has the opportunity to win a third consecutive major title with Argentina, following their World Cup and Copa America triumphs. He acknowledged the significance of the team's success, particularly for veteran players like Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi."The truth is that it's crazy what this group has done, what the Argentina national team has been doing, because after all this it gives value to all (the tournaments) I and the old generation have played in," Messi said.Despite Argentina's comfortable victory over Canada, Messi emphasized the challenges they have faced in the tournament. "It's a difficult Copa, evenly matched, with very bad pitches, with high temperatures, very tough teams, and for us to be in a final again is something to enjoy," he said.Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez echoed Messi's sentiments, expressing the immense pride and joy of reaching another final. "It's a source of pride as an Argentine, as a representative of this national team, to be able to play in another final. It feels as if it was the first time," Martinez said.

The world of football has witnessed the emergence of a new star in the making: Lamine Yamal. The 16-year-old Spanish sensation has taken the Euros by storm, showcasing his exceptional talent and becoming the youngest player to score in the tournament's history.Yamal's rise to prominence began with his impressive performances for Barcelona's youth academy, La Masia. Hailing from the impoverished neighborhood of Rocafonda 304, Yamal's determination and resilience have propelled him to the forefront of the footballing world.In Spain's thrilling semifinal clash against France, Yamal played a pivotal role. His stunning left-footed strike from outside the box left the French defense in awe and gave La Roja the equalizer. His contribution didn't end there; he also assisted Dani Olmo's goal, putting Spain in a commanding position.Throughout the tournament, Yamal has been a constant threat to opposing defenses. His three assists in the group stage, including the crucial pass to Olmo that eliminated Germany in the quarterfinals, have highlighted his exceptional vision and playmaking abilities.Yamal's emergence has filled a void in world football, as the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo approach the twilight of their careers. His ability to create chances, score goals, and inspire his teammates has drawn comparisons to the legendary duo.While other promising young players like Jude Bellingham, Endrick, and Estevao Willian are also making waves, Yamal's current form suggests that he is a cut above the rest. His arrival has not only enriched the game but has also strengthened Spain's chances of claiming the Euros title.

Manchester United's summer transfer window has kicked off with a bang, with the club reportedly close to signing four players within the first 10 days. This marks a significant departure from previous transfer windows, where United's business typically began later in the summer.The new regime at Old Trafford, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has set the ball rolling early, with sporting directors Dan Ashworth and Christopher Vivell playing a key role in identifying and securing transfer targets.The first player on United's radar is Dutch defender Matthijs De Ligt from Bayern Munich. Sources have confirmed that United have agreed personal terms with the Dutchman and are willing to match Bayern's asking price of £42 million.Another Dutch player, Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, is also close to joining United. The 23-year-old has reportedly agreed personal terms and could make the move for a fee of £40 million.With Raphael Varane leaving on a free transfer, United have been scouting the market for defensive reinforcements. In addition to De Ligt, United have been pursuing Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton. However, after a £45 million bid was rejected, United have turned their attention to Lille defender Leny Yoro. A £42 million bid for Yoro has reportedly been accepted, although personal terms are yet to be agreed upon.United's early success in the transfer window can be attributed to the arrival of new owners and the implementation of a new recruitment system. The signings being targeted are all within the right age profile, playstyles, and price ranges, a departure from United's previous tendency to overpay for players who did not fit the system.If United can complete the signings of De Ligt, Zirkzee, Branthwaite, or Yoro, manager Erik Ten Hag will have a more competitive squad heading into the 2024-25 season.

England manager Gareth Southgate believes his team is on the cusp of history as they prepare to face the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final on Wednesday. The Three Lions are aiming to reach their first major tournament final on foreign soil and take a step closer to ending their 58-year wait for a major trophy.Southgate's men have endured a rollercoaster ride in Germany, narrowly avoiding early exits against Slovakia and Switzerland. However, they have shown resilience and determination, with individual brilliance from Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka proving decisive.England's captain, Harry Kane, is eager to make amends for his sluggish performances in the tournament. The Bayern Munich striker has scored two goals but has been criticized for his lack of mobility. Kane is determined to lead his team to glory and believes reaching back-to-back finals would be an "amazing achievement."The Netherlands, meanwhile, have found their rhythm after a shaky start. Ronald Koeman's side has won their last two matches, including a hard-fought victory over Turkey in the quarter-finals. Cody Gakpo has been in scintillating form, scoring three goals and leading the race for the Golden Boot.The Dutch face travel chaos ahead of the semi-final, with issues with the German train system disrupting their plans. However, Southgate believes it will not affect their performance.The selection of referee Felix Zwayer has raised eyebrows, given his previous involvement in a match-fixing scandal. Bellingham was fined for criticizing Zwayer during his time at Borussia Dortmund.England and the Netherlands have a rich history in football, and Wednesday's clash promises to be a thrilling encounter. The Three Lions will be looking to make history, while the Dutch will be aiming to reach their first major tournament final since 1988.

Uruguay's Copa America hopes have been dealt a blow with the news that central defender Ronald Araujo will miss Wednesday's semi-final against Colombia due to a thigh injury. Araujo was forced off in the first half of Uruguay's victory over Brazil on Saturday, and tests have revealed a "muscular injury" to his right thigh.Atletico Madrid's Jose Maria Gimenez is expected to replace Araujo in the starting lineup, while Guillermo Varela or Agustin Canobbio are the likely candidates to fill in for suspended right-back Nahitan Nandez.Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa expressed his disappointment at Araujo's absence but praised the progress of Colombia, who are now unbeaten in 27 matches. "They are a big rival, on a positive run of results," Bielsa said. "Brazil were a very demanding opponent and Colombia has to be viewed the same way."Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo downplayed the significance of Uruguay's injury concerns. "I don't consider it a decisive advantage," Lorenzo said. "I think they have great players to play in the same positions."Lorenzo also confirmed that midfielder Jefferson Lerma is available after serving a one-match suspension. Colombia beat Panama 5-0 on Saturday to reach the semi-finals and equal the country's unbeaten run record set between 1992 and 1994.Argentina and Canada will face each other in the other semi-final on Tuesday in New Jersey. The Copa America final will be held in Miami on Sunday.

Defending champions Argentina have secured their place in the Copa America final after a convincing 2-0 victory over Canada in the semi-final on July 9th. The match, held in New Jersey, saw Argentina dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities.In the opening minutes, Canada put up a spirited fight, with Jacob Shaffelburg twice coming close to scoring. However, Argentina gradually took control of the game and broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute. Rodrigo De Paul played a through ball to Julian Alvarez, who ghosted between two defenders and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.Argentina continued to press forward, and Lionel Messi had a chance to double their lead in the 44th minute. The Argentine maestro created space in the box with his trademark footwork but fired his shot wide.Canada nearly equalized against the run of play in first-half stoppage time. Jonathan David snuck in ahead of his marker to get on the end of a long throw, but his close-range shot was saved by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.Messi sealed Argentina's victory in the 51st minute. Enzo Fernandez's shot from the edge of the area was deflected by a Canadian defender, and Messi was on hand to poke the ball past Crepeau. The goal moved Messi to joint fifth in the all-time Copa America scoring charts, level with Peru's Paolo Guerrero and Chile's Eduardo Vargas on 14.Despite their two-goal cushion, Argentina had a nervy finish to the match. Canada substitute Tani Oluwaseyi tested Martinez with a crisp shot in the 89th minute before directing a glancing header wide a minute later.Argentina will now face either Uruguay or Colombia, who meet on July 10, in the final in Florida on July 14.

Lamine Yamal, the 16-year-old Spanish prodigy, etched his name into the history books of the Euro 2024 tournament on Tuesday. In a thrilling semifinal clash against France, Yamal became the youngest-ever goalscorer in the competition, inspiring Spain to a 2-1 comeback victory and a berth in the final.Trailing to a ninth-minute header from Randal Kolo Muani, Spain's hopes seemed to be fading. However, Yamal's moment of brilliance ignited a four-minute turnaround that turned the tide of the match. Collecting the ball outside the box, the teenage sensation cut inside and unleashed a curling strike that nestled into the top corner, leaving French goalkeeper Mike Maignan helpless.Just four minutes later, Dani Olmo doubled Spain's lead with a deflected shot that found its way past Jules Kounde. The goal was a testament to Spain's dominance in midfield, as they controlled possession and dictated the tempo of the game.Despite boasting an array of attacking talent, France struggled to find their rhythm in the final third. Antoine Griezmann was benched in favor of Ousmane Dembele, but the change failed to spark the French attack.Yamal's goal not only leveled the scores but also set a new record for the youngest scorer in Euro history. The previous record was held by Renato Sanches, who scored for Portugal at the age of 18 in 2016.Spain's victory marks a significant milestone in their illustrious footballing history. They became the first team to win six games at a Euros and are now just one game away from a record-breaking fourth crown.For France, the defeat raises questions about their attacking prowess. Despite possessing world-class players like Kylian Mbappe, they have struggled to score goals consistently throughout the tournament.As Spain prepares to face either the Netherlands or England in Sunday's final, they will be buoyed by the performance of their young star, Lamine Yamal. The 16-year-old has already made a significant impact on the tournament and will be looking to continue his impressive form in the grandest stage of European football.

India's women's football team suffered a disappointing 1-2 defeat to Myanmar in a friendly match in Yangon on Tuesday, extending their winless streak against their neighbors.Myanmar took the lead in the 14th minute through a set-piece goal by Win Theingi Tun, who plays for Indian club Odisha FC. India equalized in the 58th minute when Pyari Xaxa tapped in a loose ball, but Myanmar regained the lead in the 74th minute when San Thaw Thaw converted a free-kick from May Thet Mon Myint.India had a slow start to the match and conceded the opening goal from a corner kick. Myanmar continued to press and forced India goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu into several saves. India improved in the second half and created more chances, but they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities.Myanmar's defense tightened up in the second half, and India's attackers were often caught offside. Myanmar got their second goal from another set-piece situation, with San Thaw Thaw scoring from a free-kick.This was India's fifth defeat to Myanmar in six matches. Their last meeting was a 3-3 draw in the AFC Women's Olympic Qualifiers in Mandalay in 2019. India will play a second friendly against Myanmar on Friday.

Cristiano Ronaldo's illustrious career has taken a significant turn following Portugal's disappointing exit from Euro 2024. The iconic forward, who has been a talisman for his country for over two decades, failed to score a single goal in the tournament, raising questions about his future at the international level.Former England striker Ian Wright believes that Ronaldo's performance in Euro 2024 suggests that he is no longer capable of playing at the top level. "He can't cut it at this level now," Wright said on Sky Sports. "As good as he is, as fit as he is, as driven as he is, you can see he just can't quite get it out of his feet to get a shot in, the movement with a header, he can't get past a defender now."Wright's comments echo the sentiments of Ronaldo's former Manchester United teammate Roy Keane. Keane believes that Ronaldo should take a break from international football and assess his situation when the 2026 World Cup approaches. "He should have a break and step back from international football," Keane said. "If he's still playing at club level, then have a look at the World Cup when it comes around."Ronaldo's struggles in Euro 2024 have also raised questions about his role in the Portugal team. With Diogo Jota and other talented attackers waiting in the wings, Wright believes that Ronaldo's presence on the pitch may be hindering the team's progress. "Portugal should be very disappointed about that [going out of EURO 2024] simply because of how good their team is," Wright said. "Surely Diogo Jota must be disappointed that he couldn't get on that pitch."Despite the criticism, Ronaldo remains a respected figure in the world of football. His dedication and professionalism have been praised by many, and he continues to be a role model for aspiring players. However, it is clear that his time at the top of the game is coming to an end. As he approaches the twilight of his career, Ronaldo must decide whether to continue playing for Portugal or to focus on his club career.