Iran's Khamenei stands by Guards after unrest over downed plane
World
Lionel messi
Saudi uses sports 'soft power' as lever of influence
Saudi Arabia is seeking to use glitzy sporting extravaganzas as an instrument of soft power in its push for regional supremacy as well as to project a moderate image of a country long seen as an exporter of jihadist ideology.
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Magical Messi sinks Atletico as Barca return to the top
It was Messi’s 30th goal in 39 competitive games against Atletico and inflicted a first home defeat on Diego Simeone’s side since they were beaten by Real Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano in February.
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Messi influence putting Barcelona back in driving seat
Messi scored twice and created goals for Arturo Vidal and Luis Suarez as champions Barca moved top of the table with 22 points from 10 matches.
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Messi leads Barca past Slavia Prague 2-1 in Champions League
Barcelona swarmed forward from the kick-off, keeping Slavia bottled up in their own end and denying them possession.
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Messi and Ronaldo wouldn't do what rugby players do: Jones
Eddie Jones and Steve Hansen are two of the most successful coaches in the modern game, with the New Zealander looking to guide the All Blacks to a third straight World Cup title at Japan 2019 and fourth in total.
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Messi wins third straight Golden Shoe as top league-goal scorer
Lionel Messi won the trophy for a third straight year after scoring 36 goals, three more than his closest challenger, Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain.
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Messi says tax problems made him want to leave Barcelona
In an interview with Catalan radio station RAC1, Messi also said he had expected Neymar to sign for Real Madrid last summer after Barca failed to strike an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain.
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Messi wins best FIFA player of the year for record sixth time
Messi, who won the Spanish La Liga title with Barcelona last season and the European golden boot having scored 54 goals in 58 games in all competitions, last won the award in 2015.
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I deserve more Ballon d'Or awards than Messi, says Ronaldo
Ronaldo, 34, has won the renowned France Football magazine trophy for the world’s best player five times - as many as Messi - but is eager for more as he moves into the twilight of his career.
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Sterling not on same level as Messi, Ronaldo, says Guardiola
England manager Gareth Southgate suggested Raheem Sterling could eventually be mentioned in the same breath as Messi and Ronaldo when asked how far the City winger could go if he maintains his superb form.
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Van Dijk, Bronze take Uefa Player of the Year honours
Dutchman Van Dijk starred as Liverpool won their sixth European Cup last season with a 2-0 Champions League final victory over Tottenham in Madrid.
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Messi 'made me better player', says Ronaldo
Ronaldo and Messi have won the coveted Ballon d'Or five times each, a factor that helps each player flourish.
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Ronaldo & Messi headline Ballon d'Or shortlist
Real’s Cristiano Ronaldo will be going in search of his third consecutive World Player of the Year award.
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Who will win the Ballon d'Or trophy?
Who will win the Ballon d'Or trophy?
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Profile of Barcelona star Lionel Messi
Profile of Barcelona star Lionel Messi
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No joy for Suarez as Real beat Barca
Real Madrid beat La Liga leaders Barcelona 3-1 in the 'Clasico' on Saturday.
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Belgium game sharpens Messi-Maradona focus
The comparisons between Argentina legend Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi continue unabated.
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Barca beat Real to restore title race
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to help Barcelona beat Real Madrid 4-3 on Sunday.
