Football: Messi echoes Maradona as Argentina win World Cup

Lionel Messi saved his best for last on Sunday, bringing the curtain down on his World Cup career by finally landing the one major title that has eluded him.

In the end, the greatest player of his generation, possibly of all time, bowed out with victory in arguably the greatest World Cup final of them all.

It was a perfectly scripted farewell for the 35-year-old Argentine captain, playing in what he has said will be his fifth and final World Cup tournament.

Messi was a beacon of calm amid frequent outbreaks of pandemonium at the Lusail Stadium as Argentina twice squandered winning positions, eventually taking the title on penalties after the game finished 3-3 in extra-time.

Before kick off, Argentina's raucous supporters had roared their appreciation as a giant television screen played a tribute to the late Diego Maradona, with clips of his legendary goal against England at the 1986 World Cup.

That was all the inspiration Messi needed as he set about delivering Argentina their first World Cup title in 36 years.

Maradona had also inspired that 1986 win, helping Argentina recover after they gave up a 2-0 lead before defeating West Germany 3-2.

Eight years ago, Messi had cut a forlorn figure, finishing on the losing side as Argentina slumped to a 1-0 extra-time loss to Germany at the Maracana Stadium in the 2014 World Cup final.

That defeat left Messi staring at the possibility of joining German legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge as the only man to captain his country to defeat in two World Cup finals.

It soon became apparent on Sunday, however, that Messi had no intention of taking up membership of that unwanted club.

Within minutes of the kick off, Messi was into his rhythm, demanding possession and conducting traffic with his customary grace, picking up Angel Di Maria repeatedly down the left flank.

And when Di Maria drew a foul from Ousmane Dembele inside the area on 21 minutes, Messi stepped up to coolly fire his team into the lead with a nerveless penalty, his 97th international goal and his 12th in World Cups.

Extra-time drama

Messi was buried under a mountain of Argentine team-mates in the celebrations that followed but he was soon back on his feet tormenting France.

After a period of Argentine dominance, Messi produced a delightful flick to send Julian Alvarez racing into space down the right flank.

Alvarez found Alexis Mac Allister who in turn picked out Di Maria who made it 2-0.

It looked like the party was starting early as a subdued France struggled to get into the game.

Then suddenly out of nowhere Kylian Mbappe scored twice in a minute with less than 10 minutes remaining to turn the game on its head.

Still Messi would not be denied. In extra-time he tested France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris with a rasping shot as he attempted to drag Argentina to victory by sheer force of will.

Then in the second period of extra-time, the little magician struck again. Lautaro Martinez's shot was parried by Lloris and Messi, anticipating the rebound, jabbed home the finish from close range for 3-2.

Wild celebrations followed but still France were not beaten. 

Argentina substitute Gonzalo Montiel conceded a late penalty in extra-time and Mbappe stepped up to make it 3-3 from the spot.

Yet if there was any chance of Messi crumbling in the shoot-out -- he famously missed a penalty in the 2016 Copa America defeat to Chile -- he dispelled it immediately as he rolled home Argentina's opening kick.

From there his World Cup fate was left in the hands of his team-mates, and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a huge save before Montiel made amends for his earlier penalty concession to seal Argentina's win.

Agence France-Presse

Football: Messi to headline Maradona 'match for peace' homage

ROME, Italy -- Lionel Messi will headline a star-studded lineup for a 'match for peace' in tribute to fellow Argentina soccer great Diego Maradona on November 14 in Rome, organizers announced on Monday. 

In addition to Messi, former Brazilian star Ronaldinho, Italian World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon and Roma's Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho confirmed their presence in a video published by the WEPLAYFORPEACE platform for the third edition of the "match for peace" organised by a Foundation created by Pope Francis. 

The video was uploaded on October 10, to signify 10/10, in tribute to the number 10 jersey worn by Maradona during his career. His nickname was 'el ultimo Diez' (the last 10). 

Former World Cup winner Maradona died aged 60 of heart failure in November 2020.

The match will take place on November 14 at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, less than a week before the start of the World Cup in Qatar.

Agence France-Presse

Medical staff in Argentina to be tried for Maradona death

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina -- Eight medical personnel will stand trial for alleged criminal neglect causing Argentine football legend Diego Maradona to die in bed while receiving post-surgery care.

A judge on Wednesday ordered a culpable homicide trial for the eight, who include Maradona's family doctor and nurses, based on evidence that they had failed to take "action that could have prevented the death" in November 2020.

No trial date has been set.

Maradona died aged 60 while recovering from brain surgery for a blood clot, and after decades of battles with cocaine and alcohol addictions.

He was found dead in bed two weeks after going under the knife, in a rented house in an exclusive Buenos Aires neighborhood where he was brought after being discharged from hospital.

He was found to have died of a heart attack.

A panel of 20 medical experts convened by Argentina's public prosecutor concluded last year that Maradona's treatment was rife with "deficiencies and irregularities."

It said the footballer "would have had a better chance of survival" with adequate treatment in an appropriate medical facility.

The experts found his caregivers had abandoned the idolized player to his fate for a "prolonged, agonizing period" leading up to his death.

Prosecutors asked for his caregivers to be put on trial for negligent homicide, charging that they had abandoned him "to his fate."

The eight will stand trial on a legal definition of homicide characterized by negligence committed in the knowledge that it may lead to a person's death.

- 'Reckless' treatment -

Charged in the case are neurosurgeon and family doctor Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, psychologist Carlos Diaz, medical coordinator Nancy Forlini, nursing coordinator Mariano Perroni, nurses Ricardo Almiron and Dahiana Madrid, and clinician Pedro Paglo Di Spagna.

Prosecutors have charged the defendants with being "the protagonists of an unprecedented, totally deficient and reckless hospitalization at home."

They risk sentences ranging from eight to 25 years in prison. 

All of them have denied responsibility and none are in pre-trial detention.

An investigation was opened following a complaint filed by two of Maradona's five children against Luque, whom they blame for their father's deterioration after the operation.

Maradona is widely considered one of the greatest footballers in history.

The former Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli star suffered from liver, kidney and cardiovascular disorders when he died.

He became an idol to millions of Argentines after he inspired the South American country to their second World Cup triumph in 1986.

The court ruling came as Argentina celebrated its Day of the Footballer commemorating Maradona's performance in the 1986 quarter final against England -- when he scored the infamous "hand of God" goal and then the "Goal of the Century" as voted in a FIFA poll.

His death shocked fans around the world, and tens of thousands queued to file past his coffin, draped in the Argentine flag, at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires amid three days of national mourning.

Agence France-Presse

Football: Argentine senator wants Maradona on country's bank notes

An Argentine senator wants to put Diego Maradona on the country's bank notes and presented a project to Congress on Monday to get the late soccer star and possibly even his 'Hand of God' image on a 1,000-peso note.

The note, worth around $12.27 at Monday's exchange rate, would feature Maradona's face on one side and a picture of one of his most famous goals on the other, said the bill's sponsor Senator Norma Durango.

Maradona's two most famous goals came in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England.

He got the first by punching the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and the second by dribbling past half the England team to score what is still considered one of the greatest goals of all time.

Argentina won the World Cup with a series of outstanding performances by Maradona, who died on Nov. 25 of a heart attack, age 60.

"The idea is not just to recognize our most important idol but also to think of the economic question," said Durango. "We feel that when tourists come here they will want to take a 'Maradona' away with them."

Although it was not clear which one of the two goals would feature, some Argentines bristled at the thought of the 'Hand of God' goal featuring on an official government document because it could be seen as condoning illegality.

The Senator for the La Pampa province said the final decision would be made by lawmakers, who are expected to hear her proposal early next year.

"The idea is to recognize Maradona, for good and for bad, who is the best known Argentine in the world," Durango said. "I feel the project has got a great response even though some people don't agree with it."

The current 1,000-peso note features the national bird, the Rufous hornero. 

(Reporting by Andrew Downie Editing by Christian Radnedge)

-reuters-

Football: 'Passionate about everything': Pumas coach pays tribute to Maradona

Diego Maradona epitomised what it meant to wear the Argentina jersey, the nation's rugby coach Mario Ledesma said Thursday, remembering him as "passionate about everything".

The football legend died Wednesday at the age of 60, plunging his South American homeland and football globally into mourning.

Maradona was also a big rugby fan and was often spotted watching the Pumas.

"He was passionate about everything. He used to go and watch hockey, rugby, football, everything, whenever there was an Argentina jersey he was there," said Ledesma as his team prepares to face New Zealand in Australia on Saturday.

"We try to remember him the best way possible, which was on the field representing these colours and he was an example of how you should play for this jersey.

"When he was the number one player in the world, he would cross whatever continent to get back to play for Argentina, being injured or not injured," he added.

Ledesma remembered Maradona sometimes visiting the team's changing rooms, including during the 2015 World Cup in England, celebrating with them during their run to the semi-finals.

"The reaction of the players, obviously the ones who felt it most are the staff because it was more our generation when Diego played on the field," said Ledesma.

"Most of the players here didn't watch him when he was playing but they saw videos. He was a big figure in our country and he epitomised a lot the way Argentinians are."

Whether Maradona managed to watch Argentina beat the mighty All Blacks a fortnight ago for the first time in 35 years, Ledesma is not sure.

But he said he hoped he was able to, with the victory bringing a ray of light to a nation beaten down by months of economic crisis and the coronavirus pandemic.

"I hope for him because the last couple of months have been really difficult for him. If we could have made him happy just a little bit, that would be great."

All Blacks coach Ian Foster also paid tribute, noting that it was "a sad day for Argentina as a nation".

"All we can do is commiserate with them. He was an iconic sporting person."

Agence France-Presse

Football: Maradona leaves hospital following surgery

OLIVOS, Argentina -- Argentine football legend Diego Maradona left hospital on Wednesday, eight days after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain.

Maradona left the Olivos clinic in Buenos Aires by ambulance shortly after his doctor Leopoldo Luque told reporters he could go home.

Luque had earlier published on Instagram a photo of himself hugging the 60-year-old, who wore a bandage on his head.

Maradona is expected to continue his rehabilitation in Tigre, 30 kilometers (19 miles) north of Buenos Aires, near his daughter Giannina's home.

"Diego has gone through perhaps the hardest time of his life," his lawyer Matias Morla said earlier Wednesday, adding it was a "miracle" that the clot "which could have taken his life, was detected."

"What is needed now is family togetherness and being surrounded by health professionals," said Morla. "With the doctors and his family, Diego will be as he should be: happy."

The World Cup-winning former Argentine captain underwent surgery last Tuesday to remove a clot lodged between his brain and skull.

He had looked unwell during a brief appearance on October 30 to mark his 60th birthday at the stadium of Gimnasia y Esgrima, the Argentine Primera Division team he coaches.

He seemed to have difficulty walking and did not stay to watch his team's game.

The following Monday, he was taken to hospital in La Plata, where the club is based, suffering from symptoms of anemia and dehydration.

Tests revealed the blood clot, after which Maradona was transferred to a specialist clinic in the capital.

Maradona has been admitted to hospital three times in the last 20 years for serious health issues -- two of which were potentially fatal -- due to his drug and alcohol addictions.

Now free of drugs, Maradona remains dependent on alcohol.

Last week, his doctor had said the football icon would require prolonged treatment in a clinic with different specialties than the current one.

Maradona's daughters Dalma, Giannina and Jana have visited him daily at the clinic.

His oldest son, Diego Jr, who lives in Italy, announced last Thursday on social media that he had tested positive for Covid-19 and therefore would not be able to travel to Buenos Aires.

Due to Maradona's age and previous health issues, he is considered high risk in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit Argentina hard.

Several times in the last eight months he has been in isolation and was forced to stay at home recently after a bodyguard showed coronavirus symptoms, although he later tested negative.

Alongside Brazil's Pele, who turned 80 last month, Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time.

Agence France-Presse

Messi retires from international football

EAST RUTHERFORD --Lionel Messi sensationally announced his retirement from international football here Sunday after Argentina crashed to an upset defeat against Chile in the final of the Copa America.

The heartbroken Barcelona superstar was distraught after missing a spot-kick as Chile snatched victory in a penalty shoot-out -- Messi's fourth straight defeat in a major final while representing Argentina.

"For me the national team is over," the crestfallen 29-year-old told reporters.

"I've done all I can, I've been in four finals and it hurts not to be a champion.

"It's a hard moment for me and the team, and it's difficult to say, but it's over with the Argentina team."

Messi's dramatic announcement followed Argentina's third loss in a major final since 2014.

They were beaten 1-0 by Germany in the final of the World Cup in 2014 and lost on penalties, also to Chile, in the final of the 2015 Copa America.

Messi also tasted defeat with Argentina in the final of the 2007 Copa America.

Despite a glittering career that has seen him be named FIFA World Player of the Year on no fewer than five occasions, Messi has often faced baffling criticism from Argentina fans.

Although universally regarded as one of the greatest footballers ever, he has regularly been criticised for his failure to land a major title in the colours of Argentina.

Messi's failure to match the achievements in the Argentina jersey of Diego Maradona, who single-handedly carried the team to victory in the 1986 World Cup, has often been held against him.

Maradona himself has often taken potshots at Messi, criticizing him on the eve of the tournament for a perceived "lack of personality."

"He's a really good person, but he has no personality," Maradona said in Paris shortly before the start of Euro 2016.

"He lacks the character to be a leader."

Messi's bombshell decision comes after a gruelling season which was disrupted by injury last year.

He recovered to help Barcelona win the Spanish title once more and was relishing the prospect of leading Argentina to glory in the Copa America Centenario.

His commitment to playing for Argentina was reflected in his decision to fly from Spain to Argentina for a low-key friendly against Honduras shortly before the tournament, where he suffered a back injury.

He then returned to Spain to give evidence at his trial for tax fraud before jetting off to the United States to join up with his Argentina team-mates.

Although he was injured for his team's opening group game against Chile, he came on as a substitute in a 5-0 hammering of Panama to score a hat-trick in 19 minutes.

He then equalled Argentina's international goalscoring record of 54, held by Gabriel Batistuta, in the quarter-finals before setting a new mark with his 55th international goal in the semi-final win over the United States.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Maradona wins tax battle in Italy

MILAN, Italy - Argentine football legend Diego Maradona has won a lengthy battle with the Italian tax authorities over a bill of close to 40 million euros ($55 million), reports said Friday.

Maradona had been banned from entering Italy, where he played for Napoli, because he allegedly owed 37.2 million euros, 23.5 million of which was interest accrued, in tax.

However Maradona's lawyer, Angelo Pisani, told the Italian news agency ANSA that Maradona "can now return to Italy as a free man".

source: abs-cbnnews.com