Sports
Messi inspires Argentina into Copa America semi-finals
Lionel Messi scored one goal and provided two assists as Argentina kept alive their bid to end their 28-year Copa America title wait with a 3-0 quarter-final win over Ecuador.
Messi hit the post early before showing composure to find Rodrigo De Paul for his maiden international goal in the 40th minute in Goiania on Saturday.
Late on, Messi swooped on a heavy touch from Piero Hincapie to set up Lautaro Martinez ——- for his second goal in two games.
He then added one of his own with a superb free-kick.
Argentina have now extended their unbeaten run to 18 games under head coach Lionel Scaloni.
Ecuador, known as La Tri, exit without a win in spite of reaching the knockout stage.
Argentina started strong, with Martinez’s angled shot saved, while German Pezzella fired into the side-netting from a Messi corner-kick.
Ecuador had a major let-off in the 23rd minute following Carlos Gruezo’s error which allowed Messi in one-on-one, only to shoot into the upright.
Jhegson Mendez tested Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez with a thunderous volley and Enner Valencia glanced a header off target as Ecuador offered some threat in an open game.
But Argentina took the lead in the 40th minute.
Messi calmly found De Paul who picked his spot after Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez raced off his line to clear a through-ball.
Valencia flicked a header wide on half-time, while the Fenerbahce forward also hit the post early in the second half from a tight angle.
Argentina sat back in the second half, with Gonzalo Plata testing Martinez in the 80th minute before Messi found Martinez for an easy finish after Hincapie’s error.
Hincapie was sent off in stoppage-time for a last-man foul following a video assistant referee check, with Messi stepping up to curl home the free-kick from the edge of the box brilliantly.(dpa/NAN)
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially designated Morocco as the host for the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League finals. The tournament will take place from November 9 to November 23, as announced on CAF’s official website.
Morocco previously hosted the last edition of this prestigious competition. Among the eight teams competing this year is Nigeria’s champions, Edo Queens. The current title holders are Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.
The tournament offers significant financial incentives, with winners receiving $400,000 and runners-up taking home $250,000.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 10 international hat-tricks after scoring three times in a dominant 6-0 victory against Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
In addition to his goals, the 37-year-old forward also provided two assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. With this win, Argentina solidifies its position in the South American qualifiers, currently leading the table three points ahead of second-placed Colombia and six points clear of their arch-rivals Brazil.
On the same evening, Ronaldo’s Portugal faced Scotland in the UEFA Nations League but was held to a frustrating 0-0 draw, leaving the superstar visibly upset post-match.
Fenerbahce manager, Jose Mourinho, is reportedly planning a January transfer move for Barcelona forward Ansu Fati. After spending last season on loan at Brighton in the Premier League, Fati, now 21, returned to Barcelona but has struggled for game time under new coach Hansi Flick.
Once considered a potential successor to Lionel Messi, Fati’s limited opportunities at Barça have fueled speculation about a possible departure. According to *AS*, Mourinho is keen to bring the Spain international to the Turkish league, offering him the chance for regular football at Fenerbahce.
Fenerbahce’s sporting director, Mario Branco, is expected to initiate discussions with Fati’s representatives soon, confident that the promise of consistent playing time will help secure the forward’s move.
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