Messi scores again as Argentina ease past Jordan

Lionel Messi came off the bench to score yet again as Argentina made it three wins from three at the World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Jordan. Messi made it six goals in three games at this tournament, extending his own all-time World Cup record to 19 goals, with a low free-kick 10 minutes from time that ensured Argentina topped Group J with a perfect record. Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez had put the World Cup holders in control with first-half strikes, but Mousa Al Tamari pulled one back for Jordan, who at least exited the competition having scored in all three games of their debut World Cup.

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Uaeda inspires Japan in rout of Tunisia

Japan delivered a commanding 4-0 win over Tunisia in the World Cup’s 1,000th match ‌to move to the brink of the knockout stages, while the North Africans were eliminated after a second successive defeat in Group F. Daichi Kamada opened the scoring ⁠after four minutes, bundling home Keito Nakamura’s low cross from close range, before Ayase Ueda doubled Japan’s lead in the 30th minute with a fierce low drive into the far corner.

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Advantage Atleti as 10 man Barca left on the brink

Atletico Madrid took a firm grip on their Champions League ⁠quarter-final as goals from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth earned a 2-0 first-leg victory over 10-man Barcelona at the Camp Nou. Barcelona dominated proceedings, but Atletico’s rock-solid defence combined ‌with swift ⁠counter-attacks paid off after Pau Cubarsi was sent off for hauling down Giuliano Simeone in the 42nd minute as the last man.

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PSG pummel Inter to win maiden Champions League title

Paris Saint Germain were crowned kings of Europe for the first time with a thumping 5-0 Champions League final victory over Inter Milan in Munich. Achraf Hakimi and Desire Doue struck inside the opening 20 minutes to reward a dominant start as PSG became only the second French side to win the trophy after Marseille in 1993. Inter were unable to get a foothold in the game as the Parisians turned on the style in the second half to record a resounding win.

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Liverpool pay penalty as PSG progress via shootout

Liverpool’s Champions League ambitions were ended after they lost on penalties to an outstanding Paris Saint Germain side after a night of drama at Anfield. PSG, needing to claw back a 1-0 deficit from the first leg at home, demonstrated how they have matured under coach Luis Enrique as they knocked out a Liverpool side touted as favourites to win the tournament. Ousmane Dembele’s early goal provided the platform for the turnaround with the Parisians holding their nerve from 12 yards.

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