Messi wants trophies ahead of “final” 2022 World Cup – former agent

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.

A video report attributed to Al Jazeera has been circulating online, claiming that drunken Ukrainian football fans were detained in Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, for giving a Nazi salute and defacing posters with Hitler symbology. But all is not as it seems…so what’s true and what’s fake?Find out in this edition with Vedika Bahl

Argentina have eased the pressure from their shock opening World Cup defeat at the hands of Saudi Arabia by beating Mexico on Saturday and can now approach their final group game against Poland with peace of mind, captain Lionel Messi said.

From its numerous controversies to its diplomatic match-ups, the World Cup in Qatar has been a gold mine for anyone interested in the intersection between sports and diplomacy.

Lionel Messi is still at the World Cup after Argentina cruised, collapsed and finally conquered in the face of Dutch resistance. Support for the Albiceleste is felt around the world and, at least for Messi, even beyond.

Argentina fans burst into song and dance as Argentina and Lionel Messi move on to the World Cup final with a 3-0 win over Croatia.

Lionel Messi guides Argentina to a sixth World Cup final, meaning their star player will once again get a chance at lifting the trophy of his dreams. The Albiceleste beat Croatia 3-0 with an outstanding performance from their number 10.

Lionel Messi guides Argentina to a sixth World Cup final, meaning their star player will once again get a chance at lifting the trophy of his dreams. The Albiceleste beat Croatia 3-0 with an outstanding performance from their number 10.

Lionel Messi has been dubbed the greatest player of all time after he led Argentina to the World Cup final in sensational style. The 35-year-old seven-time Ballon d'Or winner scored a penalty and set up Julian Alvarez for another in a 3-0 win.

Argentina won the World Cup on Sunday (December 18), defeating defending champions France 4-2 on penalties, following a dramatic 3-3 draw after extra time.

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.

Messi says he won't retire from international football after captaining Argentina to its first World Cup trophy in 36 years. "I love football, it's what I do," he said. Messi turns 36 next year but believes he has plenty to offer his country.