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      in Soccer

      We have no money and no way of getting home to Argentina but seeing our hero Messi lift World Cup is all we care about

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      ARGENTINA is the economic basket case of the world, with incredible 88 per cent inflation and four in ten of the population living in poverty.Its citizens are so poor — with an average wage of just £320 a month — that virtually all have two or three jobs and work 16-hour days in a desperate struggle to pay rocketing bills.
      Argentina fans have put financial worries aside to travel to Qatar to watch the World CupCredit: Dan Charity
      Fans have flown en masse to watch Lionel Messi attempt to win the World CupCredit: Dan Charity
      Messi is playing at his last World Cup and attempting to win the one trophy missing from his collectionCredit: Getty
      But an incredible 60,000 of the country’s soccer fans have somehow begged and borrowed their way 8,200 miles to Qatar to cheer on their heroes in the national team.
      And blue and white-shirted supporters were all smiles yesterday — because they have Lionel Messi and an unshakeable belief that they will win the World Cup tomorrow.
      Genius Messi — playing in his last World Cup at 35 — goes head-to-head with superstar rival Kylian Mbappe and France in tomorrow’s final at Doha’s Lusail Stadium.
      Argentina fans in the 89,000-seat venue will outnumber the French by at least ten to one, creating an astonishing wall of sound.
      READ MORE ON ARGENTINA
      But their dream of ending their nation’s 36-year wait for soccer’s Holy Grail is the only ray of hope for a country blighted by economic woes.
      Argentina has spent more time in recession than almost any other nation since the 1950s and has had double-figure inflation for decades.
      The Argentine peso has also lost 30 per cent of its value in recent months and lack of cash reserves, foreign investment and confidence in President Alberto Fernandez’s regime has sent inflation to that amazing rate of 88 per cent — with predictions it will top 100 per cent in the New Year.
      Argentina fans are expected to outnumber France supporters 10 to one at the finalCredit: Getty
      ‘WE DESERVE SOME JOY’
      But tens of thousands of fans have travelled to Qatar from Argentina — where prices have been skyrocketing faster than in any other G20 nation.
      Most read in Football
      In contrast, many England and Wales fans — with UK inflation at around just nine per cent — shunned Qatar’s pricey tournament.
      But despite Argentina’s problems at home, even senior politicians in the capital Buenos Aires believe winning the World Cup is now the impoverished nation’s top priority.
      Asked whether lifting the trophy was more important than tackling inflation, Labour Minister Kelly Olmos shrugged: “We must constantly work against inflation, but one month won’t make a huge difference.
      “We want Argentina to be champions — the Argentine people really deserve some joy.”
      Nicolas Orellano from Buenos Aires says he has no idea how he will get homeCredit: Dan Charity
      Lawyer Nicolas Orellano — who also runs a wine business in Buenos Aires to help make ends meet — used all his savings and borrowed money from his girlfriend to go to Qatar.
      He flew to Spain, then on to London to catch a flight to Dubai, then travelled by bus and train through Saudi Arabia to the capital, Doha.
      Nicolas, 30, is now virtually penniless and is living in a bustling Argentine fan commune in Barwa Barahat Al Janoub, south of Doha, dubbed “Little Buenos Aires”.
      Yesterday fans there were roasting a lamb donated by Argentina’s ambassador to Qatar on a makeshift barbecue beneath a giant Messi banner as footy anthems blared from a loudspeaker.
      Nicolas said: “I have no money and no idea how I’ll get home but there is no way I can leave, now we’re so close to seeing Lionel Messi lift the World Cup.
      “Our politicians back home have let us down but our football team has not — they are the only hope we have.
      “It is a special kind of madness which brings us here when we have so little.
      “My girlfriend supports me and loaned me $500 (£410) when my cash ran out.
      “But I know some people who have sold their homes to find the money to travel to Qatar.
      “The people of Argentina are suffering but they love it that so many of us are here and are even donating money to us so we can stay and support the team.
      “I still don’t have a ticket for the final but would give anything and everything to be there, having been to five games so far — and I’m sure we will win.”
      Accountant and part-time meat trader Javier Mahmud, 36, had been struggling to save a deposit for his first home in Buenos Aires with partner of 15 years Carla Barletta, 34.
      But Carla supported his decision to clear out their entire savings account to travel to Doha via Egypt and Lebanon.
      Javier, at his third World Cup, said: “We have the best fans in the world who are giving everything to be here.
      “Our country is in a terrible state economically but Lionel Messi will repay us by winning tomorrow.
      “I have very little money left and no ticket for the final but I still hope to find a way of being there after following the team this far.
      “I’ll be flat broke when I get home, with no money to buy Christmas presents, but I won’t care and my family will understand. The only gift we want is the World Cup.”
      Fridge repair man Sergio Pendola, 30, from Buenos Aires, flew to Doha via Spain and Saudi Arabia to see his third World Cup finals.
      He said: “Diego Maradona is our god but Lionel Messi has a chance to become another god if he wins the World Cup for us — and he won’t let us down.
      “He has Maradona’s passion now because there are so many fans here willing him to win.
      “There is no question that he is the best footballer on the planet now and Kylian Mbappe will be no match for him.
      “Our fans are the 12th man for the team. I’ve spent my entire $6,000 (£4,920) savings and borrowed another $4,000 (£3,280) — but many here have sacrificed much more.
      ‘FOOTBALL IS ALL WE HAVE’
      Fan Evelyn Galiano has the middle name Milagros — Spanish for miracles — because she survived being born six months premature.
      But she said: “We do not need another miracle — we have Messi.”
      Evelyn, 26, is working in Andorra as a chef, but told her boss she needed a month off to see her idols.
      She said: “It is the last World Cup for Messi, that’s why I am here, and it has been beyond all my expectations.
      “I’m travelling alone but three of the guys here ran out of money for accommodation and are staying in my room.
      “They are staying for free — I wanted to help them. I feel completely safe because we are all fans together.”
      Mauro Fernandez, 32, a chef from Buenos Aires, travelled from Thailand via Madrid to get to Doha.
      He said: “I paid 400 US dollars (£328) for the Holland match and 600 (£492) for Croatia but I have run out of money.
      “They are asking more than 1,000 (£820) for the final ticket so I may have to watch it on a giant screen but I will go to Lusail, so I can be with the fans and see the players.
      “For me it is all about seeing Messi lift that trophy. I’ve been here for ten days and I’m not sure how I will get home.
      “I know Messi is better than Mbappe, he is the best.
      “There will be 50,000 Argentina fans at the final, there are more flights coming in from Buenos Aires. Yesterday they were completely full.”
      Gaston Didier-Lardet, 33, from San Luis, near the Argentine city of Mendoza, made the 12-hour, 6,500-mile flight from Australia, where he was working at a mine.
      He is now living in a low-rise block in the Argentine fan village, and said: “This is not the Sheraton but the atmosphere with the fans is just great.
      “It feels like home — we are surrounded by fans, we have barbecues and music.
      “I am a Messi soldier — he is proof of total sacrifice.
      “I’ve got a ticket for the final and I am very lucky. I am nervous and will not sleep, but I am looking forward to it.
      “I’ve probably spent around $10,000 (£8,200) but it is hard to explain why — I just had to be here.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I’ve heard crazy stories of people selling their houses, their cars, possessions, anything to see Messi lift that World Cup.
      “We know it is his last chance and he is a God to us. I think he is going to do it.”
      Argentina are biddingto win their first World Cup since 1986Credit: Dan Charity
      Argentina fans have made stadiums in Qatar feel like home for the playersCredit: AFP
      Argentina fans roast a lamb donated by Argentina’s ambassador to Qatar on a makeshift barbecueCredit: Dan Charity
      Argentina fans’ tributes to the great Diego Maradona are easy to spotCredit: Dan Charity More

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      in Soccer

      Prem star Andros Townsend ‘smashed his car through roadworks while screaming & swearing’ sparking police probe

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      PREM star Andros Townsend is being investigated by police after allegedly smashing through roadworks screaming: “I need to get to my f***g house.” The Everton player hit a manned tarmac spreader after being told he could not drive to his property because the street was being resurfaced, it was claimed.
      Andros Townsend is being investigated by police after allegedly smashing through roadworks screaming and swearingCredit: PA:Press Association
      Townsend is reported to have screamed: ‘I need to get to my f***g house’Credit: Getty
      Townsend is accused of refusing to wait, or park his white £80,000 Range Rover and walk less than five minutes to his homeCredit: Alamy
      He is accused of refusing to wait, or park his white £80,000 Range Rover and walk less than five minutes to his home in Liverpool.
      Shaken staff at paving firm Sefton called police after the footballer’s vehicle broke a barrier and hit an eight-wheel asphalt machine on December 5.
      Police swiftly arrived and spoke to the 31-year-old footballer, who has 13 England caps, at his home.
      Sources said the former Spurs and Crystal Palace winger could be charged with dangerous driving as officers search for footage and investigations continue.
      Read More on Andros Townsend
      It came days after his return to the UK, having been part of ITV’s punditry team at the start of the World Cup in Qatar.
      A source told The Sun: “No one could believe their eyes. Andros, who was calmly commentating on our screens days earlier, was in a rage. The red mist descended.
      “Contractors were tarmacking the road less than five minutes from his property. It was unfortunate timing when he pulled up at a road barrier. The tarmac was piping hot and being laid in front of him.
      “It was impossible to drive a vehicle over the road. The workmen explained he could wait or park up and complete the short journey to his house on foot.
      Most read in Football
      “But Andros wasn’t having that. He screamed, ‘I need to get to my f*****g house’. And with that he knocked over the barrier, stopping traffic, and drove down the side of the pavement in a bid to dodge the roadworks.
      “But he was travelling at speed and his car hit a tarmac spreader. It was being driven by a worker, who was left in total shock.”
      Police said there were no reports of any injuries, adding: “The driver of the car has been identified and has been spoken to and inquiries are ongoing.”
      Townsend was contacted for comment. More

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      in Boxing

      Logan Paul’s girlfriend Nina Agdal is a knockout in navy printed bikini

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      MODEL Nina Agdal shows why she’s such a big hit with boxer and wrestler boyfriend Logan Paul.The Sports Illustrated star, 30, posed in a navy printed bikini as part of a shoot for Aerie Swimwear.
      Nina Agdal wows in a navy printed bikini for Aerie SwimwearCredit: Capture Media Agency
      Nina was also snapped with Logan Paul in their Christmas outfitsCredit: Capture Media Agency
      Dane Nina, whose exes include Leonardo DiCaprio, 48, was also snapped with US YouTuber-turned-fighter Logan, 27, as they wore their Christmas outfits.
      The popular model is known to catch the attention of her followers with steamy photos on her Instagram.
      Nina was born on March 26, 1992, in Hillerød, Denmark.
      The model has appeared in SI Swimsuit issues over the years.
      Read More on Nina Agdal
      In 2012 she made her debut for the magazine while earning Rookie of the Year honors at the age of 20.
      She has modeled for many well-known brands such as Victoria’s Secret PINK.
      Dane Nina strikes a pose on the beachCredit: instagram.com/ninaagdal
      Nina has appeared in SI Swimsuit issues over the years
      Nina shows off her curves in this two-piece on the beach More

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      in Soccer

      Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois’ WAG Mishel Gerzig wows in lacy lingerie set

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      MODEL Mishel Gerzig is making sure her footballer fiancé Thibaut Courtois is putting his World Cup blues behind him.The Israeli, 25, posed in a lacy lingerie set for a shoot for fashion brand Hunkemoller.
      Model Mishel Gerzig showed off her stunning figure in this lacy lingerieCredit: Hunkemoller
      The stunner, 25, is dating football ace Thibaut Courtois
      Mishel had cheered on Belgian stopper Courtois, 30, and his team-mates in Qatar.
      But after they crashed out in the group stages, the couple have gone on a romantic trip to the Maldives.
      Courtois captioned the post: “Maldives with wifey to be.”
      The Real ace also enjoyed snorkelling.
      READ MORE GLAM
      Fans flooded to Israeli Gerzig’s comments to shower her with compliments.
      The couple have been an item since August last year and became engaged in June.
      The couple have gone on a romantic trip to the Maldives
      Mishel had cheered on Belgian stopper Courtois, 30, and his team-mates in Qatar More

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      in Soccer

      No Brits arrested at Qatar World Cup despite 115 yobs nicked on match days back in the UK

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      NOT one England or Wales fan was arrested in Qatar during the World Cup — but 115 yobs were nicked back home.UK footie police chief Mark Roberts praised travelling supporters and said Muslim Qatar’s alcohol bans may have helped.
      Fears of arrests for breaking Sharia laws banning drunkenness also failed to materialiseCredit: Reuters
      Despite up to 15,000 fans at England games and a clash between the Three Lions and Dragons, there was no aggro reported.
      Fears of arrests for breaking Sharia laws banning drunkenness also failed to materialise.
      Cheshire Chief Constable Roberts was deployed in Qatar with a team of undercover spotters
      He said: “The behaviour of England and Wales was exemplary.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      “There were no arrests or incidents, which is a credit to all those who travelled.
      “The atmosphere at all home nations games was passionate but friendly and it would be fantastic to see this replicated back home.
      “It would be wrong to entirely attribute this behaviour to the restrictions on alcohol in Qatar, but I do think it has helped to some degree.”
      Across the UK there were 115 arrests, mostly in pubs.
      Most read in Football
      At Russia 2018 there were three arrests.
      With another 225 back home. More

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      in Soccer

      Imaan Hammam stuns in red Victoria’s Secret lingerie as she backs Morocco in World Cup

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      MODEL Imaan Hammam shows her unwavering support for the surprise package of the Qatar World Cup.She is half Moroccan and showed her allegiance by modelling Victoria’s Secret lingerie in the team’s red.
      Model Imaan Hammam stuns in red Victoria’s Secret lingerieCredit: Victoria’s Secret
      Imaan has also got behind Morocco by posting pictures of herself wearing the team shirt during the World Cup
      Imaan, 26, has also got behind the team by posting pictures of herself wearing the team shirt.
      Morocco — the first African and Arab nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals — play France tonight.
      Let’s see if they can pull a Rabat out of the hat . . 
      Imaan has previously credited her mum for inspiring her in her modelling career.
      READ MORE ON MOROCCO
      She said: “I don’t come from a wealthy family.
      “We’ve had our struggles but she was inspirational.
      “My mum has been a big inspiration for me as well.”
      Imaan, who has Moroccan-Egyptian heritage, first made it big aged 17 when she walked the runway for Givenchy in 2014.
      Most read in Football
      She has since become an international star and has posed for fashion houses including McQueen and Versace. More

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      in Soccer

      England’s Kyle Walker & John Stones to fly stray Qatari cat to UK for new life

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      A STRAY Qatari moggy being flown home for adoption by kind-hearted England stars was facing a four month wait to be reunited with them last night – and the snip.Secret softies Kyle Walker and John Stones took the tabby to their hearts during their four-week stay and pledged to bring him home if England won the World Cup.
      Kyle Walker and John Stones have brought home a stray Qatari cat for adoption
      Dave was being cared for by the Qatar Animal Welfare SocietyCredit: PA
      But his footballs won’t be coming home – as he is due to be neutered today before being vaccinated and prepared for his new life in the UK.
      Manchester City defenders Kyle and John stuck to their vow despite being knocked out by France in the quarter finals and he will now be flown to the UK in the new year.
      And they must now decide which of them takes permanent custody of the lovable tabby.
      Dave was last night being cared for by the Qatar Animal Welfare Society who have been paid around £2,000 by players to be microchipped and vaccinated against viruses including rabies.
      Read More on England
      He will be tested in three month’s time to be given the all-clear then accompanied on a plane to the UK.
      Welfare society chief Janet Berry has been caring for animals in Qatar for 18 years after moving from Woking, Surrey and will care for Dave until he makes the 4,000-mile trip.
      Janet, 58, said last night: “Dave’s a really lovely talkative tabby and it’s easy to see why the players fell in love with him.
      “But I’m afraid he’s going to have to have the snip tomorrow as it’s the most responsible thing to do to reduce the population of strays and keep them healthy.
      Most read in Football
      “He’s a beautiful cat and will be staying with me before he’s flown to the players because we don’t want him doing a disappearing act from the hotel.
      “The FA approached me to help them after the players said they wanted him properly looked after and brought home.”
      The player’s pledge to bring Dave home was at odds with hotel claims that Dave was staying put yesterday – and sparked a tabby tug-of-love riddle.
      Souq Al Wakra Hotel manager Emad Nabulsi produced pictures and video of Dave playing inside the hotel grounds yesterday.
      And he insisted the cat was happy and being cared for by his staff.Mr Nabulsi – who sent a snap of Dave being petted by hotel worker.
      Lorna Rejuso said last night: “The England players said their goodbyes to Dave and he’s staying in the hotel.
      “Kyle Walker said he wanted to adopt him but I know nothing of any plans for him to go to England – he’s being well looked after here by our staff.”
      Mr Nabulsi sent pictures and videos showing plump Dave relaxing by the hotel’s new pool – built especially for the players for the ill-fated four-week stay at the swish hostelry.
      And he showed off a special care package sent by the Qatar Animal Welfare group with the card: “We would appreciate an opportunity to discuss how we can assist Dave with his future.”
      Mr Nabulsi added: “Dave has been sent a supply of dry food by the welfare society to keep him fit and well nourished.
      Read More on The Sun
      “There are lots of stray cats around the souk but Dave is now one of the fattest and healthiest after being fed at England dining tables for so long.
      “I’m sure he misses the team because they were so kind to him but he’s very contented here.”
      The players paid around £2,000 to have Dave microchipped and vaccinated against viruses including rabies
      Animal welfare chief Janet Berry will care for Dave until he makes the 4,000-mile tripCredit: PA
      Janet said: ‘Dave’s a lovely, talkative tabby. It’s easy to see why the players fell for him’
      Dave the cat before leaving Al Wakrah on his way to England to be rehousedCredit: PA More

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      in Soccer

      Players, fans and football legends beg Gareth Southgate to stay on and lead England to victory in Germany at Euro 2024

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      PLAYERS and fans last night begged Gareth Southgate to stay on as England manager.As he arrived back in the UK from Qatar amid World Cup heartache, he said he will “reflect and review” his position.
      Southgate waves after landing with the England team at Birmingham AirportCredit: Simon Jones
      Gareth Southgate has been begged to stay on as England managerCredit: Getty
      Southgate with Kieran Trippier in Qatar before departingCredit: Reuters
      But it sparked a huge outpouring of support for Southgate to lead the Three Lions to Euro 2024 victory in Germany in 18 months.
      Midfielder Declan Rice said: “I really hope he stays.”
      But as dejected players and staff prepared to fly home, a huge swelling of support was growing for Southgate to stay on.
      England and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire hailed the Three Lions’ boss as “amazing”.
      Read More on Gareth Southgate
      He said: “I’m sure if you asked every player in the team they wouldn’t be able to speak highly enough of him.”
      Ex-England keeper Peter Shilton believes the 52-year-old gaffer can end the men’s 56-year wait for a trophy.
      He said: “Southgate must stay on as England manager. We have the basis of a team that will eventually win a big trophy. The future looks bright. Keep the faith.”
      Southgate’s young guns outplayed the French world champions at the Al Bayt Stadium but were punished at key moments — while Harry Kane’s uncharacteristic penalty miss late on sealed their fate.
      Most read in Football
      Southgate — who has led England to a World Cup semi and a Euros final — is under contract until December 2024 but will now have talks with the FA over his future.
      He refused to commit to staying on for the difficult Euro 2024 campaign — where our first qualifier will be in March against our 2020 conquerors Italy.
      He said: “Whenever I’ve finished these tournaments I’ve needed time to make the correct decision.
      “Emotionally you go through so many different feelings and the energy that it takes through these tournaments is enormous.
      He’s achieved incredible, incredible things for his country. He’s been in the semi-finals, and he’s been in the finals. He’s got to do it again because there are players there, younger players, to take us forward.Paul Parker
      “I want to make the right decision, whatever that is for the team, for England, the FA. I think it is right to take time to do that.”
      Paul Parker, an Italia 90 England star, last night added to the chorus of support for him to stay.
      He said: “Gareth Southgate’s going to go back, and he will want to reflect on what happened, but he’s got to be there for the next tournament — he has to be.
      “He’s achieved incredible, incredible things for his country. He’s been in the semi-finals, and he’s been in the finals. He’s got to do it again because there are players there, younger players, to take us forward.”
      Former England manager Sam Allardyce said: “I’d be surprised if he’s not carrying on for at least the next two years. There’s nothing better as a manager than looking at a team and saying, ‘I have a very, very good squad and I have a very good team at international level’.
      “Every manager wants to work with the best and I think he’s the best England has had for many, many years.
      “More young lads are coming through, so we are getting better and hopefully more resilient.
      “And in the end, hopefully, we can clinch a tournament.”
      Emotionally you go through so many different feelings and the energy that it takes through these tournaments is enormous. I want to make the right decision, whatever that is for the team, for England, the FA. I think it is right to take time to do that.Gareth Southgate
      Man United and England legend Gary Neville wants him to remain even after his current contract ends.
      He said: “I would love Gareth to stay on for another two years. I’d love him to stay on beyond that, whether it be actually as the coach or whether it be in a role in the FA in the future.”
      Fans also pleaded for Southgate to stay after the defeat to France, while Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio was coming under mounting criticism.
      John Jackson, a 59-year-old retired joiner from Gateshead, said: “We were by far the better team against France and would have won if it wasn’t for one kick of the ball and a dodgy ref.
      “This England team is still a work in progress but there’s only one man who can lead us to victory in the Euros — and that man is Gareth Southgate.”
      England Supporters’ Band trumpeter John Hemmingham, 59, said: “It would be a disaster if we lost him now. We’ve just outplayed the world champions and don’t need a new broom to come in and sweep away all the good work he’s done.”
      Sun and TalkTV star Piers Morgan added: “Could anyone else have done better with this (very good) squad of players? I don’t think so.”
      Meanwhile, Maguire risked a fine for blasting the ref, who refused two England penalty appeals and ignored a string of French fouls. He said: “It was really, really poor.”
      Southgate was seen chatting with Kieran Trippier as the players left yesterday while Jude Bellingham, Rice and Jack Grealish waved and gave the thumbs-up to fans.
      Kane was nowhere to be seen as the rest boarded a bus to the airport.
      Read More on The Sun
      He tweeted: “Absolutely gutted. We’ve given it everything and it’s come down to a small detail which I take responsibility for.”
      Saturday night’s game was the most-watched TV event of the year, pulling in 20.4million viewers, ITV said.
      Jack Grealish gives a thumbs-up before leaving QatarCredit: Dan Charity
      Midfielder Declan Rice publicly backed his bossCredit: Reuters
      Jude Bellingham leaves the team base to fly homeCredit: Dan Charity
      Declan Rice said: ‘I really hope he stays. I love playing under him’Credit: Rex More