German football legend Franz Beckenbauer dies aged 78

German legend Franz Beckenbauer, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, has died aged 78. He won the World Cup as captain of West Germany in 1974 and lifted the trophy again as manager in 1990. Beckenbauer, who was primarily a defender, played 582 times for Bayern Munich and won the German top flight as both a player and a manager.

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Lionel Messi rules out playing at 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will not play at the next World Cup – set to be held in the US, Canada and Mexico in 2026 – to Chinese media outlet Titan Sports. Messi finally got his hands on the only major piece of silverware that had alluded him in his illustrious career when leading his country all the way at Qatar 2022.

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Lionel Scaloni signs new contract as Argentina manager

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has extended his contract until 2026. Scaloni, 44, led his country to victory at the 2022 World Cup when they beat France on penalties in a dramatic final. He was appointed into his role by the Argentina Football Association (AFA) in 2018 and has also won the 2021 Copa America during his time in charge.

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Argentina edge France on penalties in epic World Cup Final

ionel Messi finally achieved his World Cup dream as Argentina won their third crown on penalties following one of the greatest finals in the tournament’s history at Lusail Stadium. Argentina won the shootout 4-2 after a spectacular game which developed into the much-anticipated confrontation between Messi and Mbappe, the Frenchman scoring a hat-trick but still ended up on the losing side.

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Croatia edge out Morocco to finish third at World Cup

Croatia showed their class once more by clinching their third top-three finish at the World Cup with a play-off victory over history-makers Morocco. In a frantic opening, Josko Gvardiol gave Croatia the lead with a superb diving header but Achraf Dari levelled just two minutes later before Mislav Orsic curled in a sumptuous second for Croatia.

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