Messi to put Barca drama behind him as Argentina seek fast start

The soccer star is self-isolating after a positive coronavirus test. His fellow PSG players Juan Bernat, Sergio Rico and Nathan Bitumazala have also tested positive for the virus.

Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold speaks to Eve Jackson about his new album, "Catch Me If You Can”, which showcases the Black experience across music, art and style. They also talk about his 2015 release "Sade", a love song sampling One Direction's "Story of My Life", which propelled his career to the next level, as well as his hit song "High" with Afropop star Davido and the importance of singing in his native Yoruba.

Shakhtar Donetsk player Mykola Matviienko tells DW how Russia's war in Ukraine has changed his life, with his team training in Turkey. He has never played in the club's home city, given the conflict in eastern Ukraine since 2014.

Ukrainian footballer Alan Aussi playing for Borussia Dortmund fearing for friends at front line

Sadio Mane was named African Footballer of the Year on Thursday after a season in which he kicked the winning penalty for Senegal as they claimed their first Africa Cup of Nations title and repeated the feat when they secured World Cup qualification.

From Balmain's "music festival" runway show featuring iconic pop star Cher, to all eyes on the collection of Jean-Paul Gaultier's protégé Victor Weinsanto, FRANCE 24's Jennifer Ben Brahim brings us the highlights from Paris Fashion Week's spring/summer 2023 collections.

Here are a few reasons to pick up a copy of The Guardian on Saturday.

A viral photo on Twitter allegedly shows two images of Lionel Messi's injured ankle, 24 hours before Argentina's World Cup debut in Qatar. One of the ankles in the photo belongs to Messi, while the other one doesn't. In other news, did football fans find a clever technique for smuggling alcohol into football stadiums in Qatar? We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.

Voria Ghafouri faces accusations of spreading "propaganda" against the Islamic Republic. The football star has been a vocal critic of the Iranian government.

Brazil’s Ronaldo Luís Nazário has congratulated Argentina and Lionel Messi after they beat France to win the World Cup. Messi was also honored with the Golden Ball award for the tournament’s best player. In a tweet, Ronaldo said that “football of this type dispels any rivalry”. He noted that many Brazilians were cheering for Messi during the "electrifying final”. "A farewell worthy of the genius who, far beyond being a World Cup star, led an era.

After Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup win in Qatar, internet rumours claim that the country has issued - or is planning to issue - new currency featuring Lionel Messi’s face. But is this real legal tender? We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl

Two months after winning the World Cup, Argentina's Messi has been named the best male footballer over the last 12 months, eclipsing Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema. Spain's Alexia Putellas won the top women's player.