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The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner found the net twice to lead his side to a comfortable victory

Lionel Messi scored twice and Lautaro Martinez added a third as Argentina ultimately strolled to a 3-0 win in what might be their captain's final home competitive fixture. 

Argentina probed and prodded for the opening 30 minutes, without creating much. Their tally of three shots on target was rather misleading, with the Venezuela defence putting in an admirable shift. But Messi, inevitably, changed things. pieced together a lovely, flowing move. Leandro Paredes found Julian Alvarez, who could have finished but instead cut the ball back to his skipper. Messi lifted the ball over two defenders and into the net.

Messi almost had a second on the hour mark, but saw his effort well denied by the goalkeeper, after creating half a yard of space in the box. The home side found a second wind late on. Lautaro Martinez scored the second with 15 minutes to play, flicking home a Thiago Almada cutback. And then Messi had the final word, putting the finishing touch on another wonderfully worked team goal with a side-footed finish that wrapped up a thoroughly deserved three points. 

It remains to be seen if this is the end for Messi for good in Argentina. But, with friendlies all over the map and a World Cup to play in North America, this might be the great Argentine's last competitive game in his home nation. If that's the case, this was a fine way to go out. 

GOAL rates Argentina's players from the Monumental…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Emi Martinez (7/10):

  Spent most of the time spectating. Touched the ball 25 times and didn't have a save to make. He'll take the clean sheet. 

  Nahuel Molina (6/10):

  Pinged a few nice passes, and didn't really allow anything down his side. 

  Cristian Romero (8/10):

  Picked up his obligatory yellow card. Moved the ball around well and was always up for a tackle – most of which he won. 

  Nicolas Otamendi (7/10):

  As solid as ever at the back. Even at 37 years old, he can do it for his country. 

  Nico Tagliafico (7/10):

  Industrious on the left side, involved in play, and linked up effectively with Thiago Almada. 

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  Midfield

  Rodrigo De Paul (7/10):

  Up to his usual antics of tackling anything that moved, completed the most passes in the match, and linked play well. 

  Leandro Paredes (7/10):

  Played a crucial pass in the build-up to the opener and turned in a solid 70 minutes of work.

  Franco Mastantuono (5/10):

  On the ball a lot, but didn't do loads with it. Looked a bit nervous, truth be told, but there will be plenty of other games for him.

  Thiago Almada (8/10):

  The more creative of the two wide men. Forced a nice save out of the keeper and grabbed himself a deserved assist. 

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  Attack

  Lionel Messi (9/10):

  Pieced together a mastery in narrative building by scoring in his final home game. Added a second, and might have had a third late on – only to be denied by the offside flag. Wonderful throughout. 

  Julian Alvarez (7/10):

  Assisted Messi brilliantly when he really could have grabbed a goal of his own. As usual, worked very hard and showed some real attacking intent. 

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  Subs & Manager

  Nico Gonzalez (7/10):

  Picked up an assist during an impressive 15-minute cameo.

  Exequiel Palacios (6/10):

  Put in a solid shift in central midfield after coming on. 

  Lautaro Martinez (7/10):

  Didn't touch the ball much but got his goal.

  Giuliano Simeone (N/A):

  No time to make an impact. 

  Nico Paz (N/A):

  Another very late sub. 

  Lionel Scaloni (8/10):

  Went with his strongest side and got a performance out of his team that suggested that this wasn't just a Messi sendoff. Scaloni's side have sauntered through CONMEBOL qualifying.

Endrick has been given some advice after looking “nervous” in a Clasico clash with Barcelona following his transfer to Real Madrid.

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• Teenager taking on new challenge
• Blancos have high hopes for youngster
• Eager to impress during pre-season

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazilian wonderkid is considered to be the hottest of prospects and has completed a €35 million (£30m/$38m) switch to Santiago Bernabeu after celebrating his 18th birthday. A loan move has been ruled out for the youngster, with the plan being to give him plenty of game time in 2024-25.

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• WHAT COURTOIS SAID

  Endrick is being eased into the Blancos fold by Carlo Ancelotti but has made little impact through early outings, including a 2-1 friendly defeat to Barca in the United States. Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois told reporters after that contest: “Endrick has a lot of strength, a lot of power. And maybe he needs to be a little calmer. I'm not saying he's nervous, but it's normal that you're playing with Madrid in big games and you get a little more nervous. But you can see in training that he scores a lot of goals and has a lot of strength.”

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Arda Guler, fresh from starring for Turkey at Euro 2024, is another exciting starlet on Real’s books. Courtois added on the 19-year-old playmaker, who is preparing for his second season in Spain: “He's a different Arda compared to last year. After his knee injury, he's worked hard in the gym and you can see that he's a different guy physically. He's good at attacking, he's good at passing. We have a lot of good players and they're going to fight for positions and that's what helps Madrid to be Madrid and win trophies.”

• WHAT NEXT?

  Alongside Endrick, Real have added World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe to their ranks this summer. He joins an attacking unit that also includes Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and England international superstar Jude Bellingham.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has now given the ‘go-ahead’ for a potential summer signing with pre-summer talks even held, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye summer overhaul…

As per reliable reports from The Times and The Telegraph recently, there may well be a summer of real change on the horizon at Hotspur Way.

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Conte is apparently eyeing a plethora of major incomings with just as many Spurs players looking likely to make way, coming as the Italian and chairman Daniel Levy met for dinner three weeks ago to discuss strategy.

The Lilywhites head coach is apparently set for another summit with Levy and sporting director Fabio Paratici at the end of the 2021/2022 Premier League season with the top-four chasers now on the brink of Champions League qualification.

A point against Norwich City tomorrow will gift the north-Londoners a place in Europe’s most prestigious competition and a potentially crucial financial windfall ahead of the transfer window.

The Latest: Lenglet talks held…

According to Sport, sharing news on Tottenham’s possible summer activity, Paratici and co have held talks over signing Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet – making contact to find out the conditions of a transfer.

Conte’s side want the France international on a season-long loan with a possible option to sign him permanently, a deal which doesn’t really appeal to the Catalans who are now sounding out other options.

However, this isn’t going well, as La Liga clubs taking Lenglet is seen as ‘unfeasible’ and Chelsea haven’t taken their interest beyond that – making Spurs favourites to sign the centre-back as they’re now seen as the ‘most viable option’.

There is also a green light from Conte as he ‘would give the go-ahead’ to sign Barca’s man.

The Verdict: Make the move?

Barca’s options to offload Lenglet appear to be waning, potentially handing Spurs a strong hand in convincing them to agree to their loan plus option-to-buy deal.

However, despite being lauded as a ‘top professional’ by former Camp Nou boss Ronald Koeman, we believe there could be better options for Conte to strengthen his side.

The likes of Joško Gvardiol and Alessandro Bastoni, both of whom linked with a move, arguably stand out as more exciting targets over Lenglet who’s started just six league matches this season.

Indeed, before pursuing a move further, it may be best for Tottenham to weigh other more durable options.

In other news: Journalist: Paratici now eyeing ‘world class’ player move tipped to ‘excite’ Spurs supporters…find out more here.

India batsman asks to be considered for all formats of the game

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Aug-2019Nearly two months after announcing his retirement amid high drama, Ambati Rayudu has made a giant U-turn. According to the , the 33-year-old batsman has sent an email to the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) saying his decision to retire was an “emotional one” and that he was “willing to play in all formats of the game” again.On their part, the HCA want Rayudu to groom the next generation of Hyderabad batsmen, with chief selector Noel David going as far as to say that “he has at least five years of cricket” left in him.”I want to take this opportunity to thank Chennai Super Kings, VVS Laxman and Noel David, who have been very supportive during the tough time and are instrumental in making me realise that I have enough cricket left in me,” Rayudu wrote in an email to Prof Ratnakar Shetty, a member of the panel currently overseeing affairs at the HCA.”I am looking forward to a wonderful season ahead with a very talented Hyderabad team and help the team realise its full potential. I will be available from September 10 to join the Hyderabad team.”Rayudu sent out mixed signals last week when he stated his desire to play in the IPL. He is presently contracted to Chennai Super Kings.”It is great news for us. I still believe he still has five years of cricket and groom youngsters, which is more important for us. Last year without him, we struggled in Ranji Trophy,” David said. “Rayudu’s class and experience will prove to be very handy for Hyderabad and will surely have a major positive influence on the other players as he will be playing in all the formats.”Hopefully he carries on the good work and leads from the front and I am confident of Rayudu getting support from all quarters.”Rayudu announced his retirement after he wasn’t chosen as a replacement for the injured Shikhar Dhawan despite being named one of five stand-bys for the World Cup. He also courted controversy for a not-so-cryptic “3D” tweet aimed at chief selector MSK Prasad who had said that Vijay Shankar – the player picked ahead of Rayudu in the initial 15 – had three dimensions to his game, capable of contributing with bat, ball and in the field.Last year, Rayudu announced his retirement from first-class cricket to focus on his limited-overs career with the World Cup in mind. He played the last of his 97 first-class games in November 2017. Hyderabad finished seventh in Group B in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy season.

Chris Gayle played his slowest ODI innings (minimum 25 innings) in his 31-ball 4, while Evin Lewis’ three sixes gave the home fans something to cheer about

The Report by Sreshth Shah08-Aug-2019Match abandoned After a five-and-a-half-hour period where only 13 overs were bowled, the first ODI between West Indies and India in Providence was called off by the umpires due to a wet outfield.In that period, Chris Gayle played his slowest-ever ODI innings (minimum 25 balls), scoring only four singles in 31 deliveries. At the opposite end, Evin Lewis ensured there was something for the home fans to cheer, blitzing an unbeaten 36-ball 40 that included three shoveled pulls over deep midwicket.The match began 90 minutes after the scheduled start, a delay forced by morning showers. When play started, though, following Virat Kohli’s decision to bowl, the sun was bathing upon a half-filled Providence Stadium, but with rain scheduled towards the afternoon, it was not long before the first interruption happened.With Mohammed Shami, from around the wicket, troubling the sedate Gayle, and Lewis failing to find gaps in the infield, the teams first left the ground after 5.4 overs with West Indies yet to reach double digits. Over an hour later, the players returned, and Lewis made full use of the wet ball, shoveling Bhuvneshwar Kumar for six. In the next over, he creamed 15 runs off left-arm quick Khaleel Ahmed, with a pulled six over midwicket sandwiched between two flicked fours through the on side.The partnership was primarily saved by Lewis’ aggression with Gayle failing to find his timing, and it was eventually Kuldeep Yadav who ended the batsman’s innings in the 11th over.Playing his 299th ODI – equalling West Indies’ record-holder Brian Lara – Gayle needed 11 runs to become the team’s highest-ever ODI run-scorer, but swinging conditions early on meant he was either splicing the ball or missing it completely. While Lewis’ rampage was on, Gayle was unable to break free as he tried to heave Kuldeep’s full-pitched stock delivery over the leg side, only to inside-edge it onto the stumps.Rain returned two overs later, and it was intermittent enough for the umpires to call the game off at 3.12pm local time. Wet patches on the field earlier in the day had delayed the game’s restart, and in anticipation of the ground not being ready by 4pm – the cut-off time for a 20-over-a-side shootout – umpires Nigel Duguid and Adrian Holdstock called off the match. Ironically, a few minutes after that decision, the sun returned, but by then it was too late.The teams now move to Port-of-Spain for the second ODI on August 11.

Carlo Ancelotti has said Kylian Mbappe will be "squeezed in" at Real Madrid while addressing positional concerns surrounding their new galactico.

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• Mbappe unveiled as new Real Madrid player
• There are concerns over his role in a star-studded squad
• Ancelotti confident he will fit in alongside Vini Jr & Co

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mbappe was officially introduced as a Real Madrid player in front of an 80-000 strong crowd last week, having joined the club on a free transfer following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain. However, concerns have been raised over the Frenchman's role at Santiago Bernabeu amid strong competition for places in the final third.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ancelotti faces the crucial task of integrating Mbappe into an already formidable attack featuring Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham. Up to now, the 25-year-old has operated mainly as a left winger, but Vinicius has made that position his own in the Real lineup, meaning Ancelotti may have to conjure up a new tactical system in 2024-25.

• WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

  Speaking at the Giffoni Film Festival, Ancelotti said when quizzed on where Real's new galactico will play: "It is my responsibility to find a place for Mbappe. We’ll find a place for him, we’ll squeeze him in.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Reports in Spain suggest that Ancelotti is contemplating shifting Mbappe to a more central role to maximize his effectiveness and balance the team's attacking dynamics. Vinicius would continue to feature on the left with Rodrygo once again operating on the opposite flank. Meanwhile, Bellingham has been tipped to drop deeper into midfield and could even be asked to slot into the vacant shoes of German legend Toni Kroos – who retired after Euro 2024.

Newcastle United are reportedly now preparing a club-record ‘offer’ for Darwin Nunez this summer.

The Lowdown: Breakthrough season

Nunez really has broken onto the world stage this season, with no fewer than 34 goals and a further four assists in 41 games in total over all competitions so far (Transfermarkt).

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Dubbed an ‘absolute beast‘ by Liverpool podcaster Hari Sethi after an impressive performance in the UEFA Champions League against the now finalists, the Uruguay international seems destined for the big stage, and so it would not be a surprise if he ends up leaving Benfica in the summer.

The Latest: Newcastle ‘offer’

Taking to Twitter, journalist Bruno Andrade has revealed that the St. James’ Park faithful are now preparing an ‘offer’ of €70m (£59.6m) for Nunez, after scout Steve Nickson made an ‘approach’ back in December:

“Newcastle prepares offer of 70 million euros for Darwin Nunez. English club was one of the first to specifically approach Benfica, still in December, when Rui Costa received Steve Nickson, responsible for the Magpies scout. There are others interested in the Uruguayan in Europe.”

The Verdict: Statement signing

The newly-rich Magpies are expected to be busy this summer after securing their Premier League status, and Nunez could be the statement signing that they need in order to move them onto the next level of their project.

The price would comfortably surpass the club-record fee that they paid for Joelinton back in 2019, and show the rest of the top flight that they mean business.

Nonetheless, at just 22 years of age, Nunez has the potential to become one of the best in the world in his position, and so this is a deal worth keeping an eye out for.

In other news, find out who NUFC will now ‘listen to offers’ for here!

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte is ready to sell Giovani Lo Celso this summer, according to a report from TNT Sports in Argentina. 

The lowdown: Struggle at Spurs

Signed from Real Betis for £27.2million in 2020 following an initial loan spell under Jose Mourinho (BBC), the attacking midfielder struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League before heading back to La Liga on loan.

Lo Celso made 84 appearances for the Lilywhites, directly contributing to just 14 goals before joining Villarreal on a loan deal until the end of the 2021/22 campaign in January.

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Due to return to N17 in the coming weeks, the Argentinian international may already be deemed surplus to requirements…

The latest: Conte cuts Lo Celso

As per TNT Sports, Tottenham boss Conte has informed the 26-year-old that he is not part of his plans for next season.

It’s claimed that Spurs ‘intend’ to let Lo Celso go on a permanent basis despite the man hailed as an ‘amazing player’ by Mourinho being under contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until 2025.

This will be part of a big overhaul, with Steven Bergwijn and Tanguy Ndombele also likely to leave the club during the summer transfer window.

The verdict: The time has come

Clearly out of favour under Conte, selling Lo Celso appears to be the best option for all parties, particularly if there is a deal to be done with Villarreal that may involve sought after centre-back and reported Tottenham target Pau Torres.

Despite playing an integral part in Unai Emery’s plans with the unlikely Champions League semi-finalists, the 38-cap Argentina ace has still only managed two goals and three assists in 38 competitions this season, failing to complete 90 minutes in the Premier League prior to his loan switch.

Holding a market value of £19.8million – albeit down from £45m when he joined, a 56% decrease – and with three years remaining on his contract (Transfermarkt), Daniel Levy will be confident of cutting a lucrative deal for Lo Celso that could see Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici’s own transfer coffers boosted handsomely.

In other news: Conte admits one thing this season left him ‘very angry’, find out more here

Trio of middle order fifties see hosts recover from 46 for 3, with Tom Banton unbeaten on 57

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay29-Jun-2025Somerset 275 for 6 (Abell 64, Rew 58, Abbas 2-45) vs NottinghamshireHalf-centuries from James Rew, Tom Abell and Tom Banton dug Somerset out of trouble on a compelling first day of the Rothesay County Championship match with Division One leaders Nottinghamshire at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton.A crowd of just under 3,000 saw the home side slip to 46 for three after winning the toss before Rew (58), Abell (64) and Banton (57 not out) guided them to 275 for 6 at the close. There were two wickets each for Mohammad Abbas and Brett Hutton.All the Notts bowlers displayed commendable accuracy to ensure their opponents could never cut loose and the pitch offered them just enough assistance to ensure an absorbing contest between bat and ball.Somerset opted for a new opening partnership of Sean Dickson and Tom Kohler-Cadmore, but were soon in trouble as, with only ten runs on the board, Dickson fell lbw to Hutton for a duck, advancing down the pitch.Soon it was 22 for 2 as Tom Lammonby, on two, played forward and edged a catch to wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan to give Hutton a second wicket. Kohler-Cadmore had begun positively and hit five fours in scoring 31 off 55 balls before getting a good delivery from Mohammad Abbas that left him off the pitch, forcing an edge that was again snapped up by Kishan.At 46 for three in the 15th over, Somerset were in hole. But there was no great movement in the air or off the pitch for the seamers and Patterson-White’s left-arm spin was soon introduced from the River End as Rew and Abell went about rebuilding the innings.By lunch they had taken the total to 100 for 3 from 31 overs, Rew looking the more fluent in moving to 41, while Abell had battled for his 17. The afternoon session saw Rew move to a half-century off 86 balls, including 8 fours, making good use of the sweep against the spinners.Abell had gradually found his timing and placement, but when the stand had progressed to 99 from 34.4 overs, Rew straight drove a delivery from seamer Lyndon James, who stooped to take a sharp return catch.It looked an important breakthrough for the visitors, although Abell was looking an increasing threat as he moved to fifty off 126 balls, with five fours. Banton, struggling for form since a triple century in the opening game of the season against Worcestershire, was given a life on two when Patterson-White spilled a relatively straightforward chance at first slip off James.Patterson-White quickly atoned by taking the valuable wicket of Abell, who spared the umpire a decision by turning to walk off after feathering a catch to Kishan down the leg side. At 179 for 5, Somerset were back under pressure and just six runs had been added when tea was taken.Notts had bowled well all day, giving little away, and that continued in the final session, which saw Banton and Archie Vaughan made to fight for every run on the normally fast-scoring ground. Both displayed exemplary concentration and careful shot selection to put together a half-century stand from 83 balls.Despite a short boundary on the town side of the ground, the scoring rate was only fractionally above three an over when the second new ball became available at 243 for 5. The impressive Abbas struck with it in the 83rd over, as Vaughan, on 35, aimed a back-foot forcing shot and was caught at a wide third slip by Jack Haynes.Banton, who loves nothing more than dominating a bowling attack, showed the required degree of restraint to reach fifty off 103 balls, having hit five fours. Kasey Aldridge, recalled to the Somerset team, proved an equally determined partner in taking Somerset through to the close, scoring just four off 34 balls.

Neymar looked sharp during Al-Hilal agility drills as he began training on grass to step up his recovery from ACL surgery.

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• Neymar damaged his knee ligaments
• Has been out of action since October 2023
• Gradually upping his fitness game as part of his recovery

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Neymar, who was expected to mesmerize audiences in Riyadh, encountered a significant setback in October 2023, when he suffered a severe ACL injury during a World Cup qualifying match for Brazil. The injury forced him to go under the knife, leading to his immediate exclusion from the remainder of the season, causing him to miss Al-Hilal's title triumph.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Neymar can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel as he is diligently working his way back to full fitness. He has been filmed training on grass this week, performing a series of agility drills and sprints with noticeable ease. Guided by a personal trainer, Neymar's sessions indicate significant progress in his rehabilitation process and the superstar could soon join his team-mates in group training.

  @alhilal Instagram@alhilal Instagram

• DID YOU KNOW?

  As Neymar nears the end of his long recovery journey, expectations are high for his return to the pitch. He is anticipated to be match-ready by mid-September as revealed by Flamengo president Rodolfo Landim.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Neymar has made just five appearances for Al-Hilal after moving to the Middle East from Paris Saint-Germain. Although the Brazilian will miss the start of the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League campaign, he is expected to be a game-changer as Al-Hilal look to fend off competition from Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in their bid to retain the league championship.