World Cup 2022

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      World Cup top scorer Enner Valencia set to face Senegal after miracle recovery… and it could be bad news for England

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      ENNER VALENCIA has stunned World Cup doctors and is poised to start Ecuador’s crunch clash versus Senegal.The skipper was carted off in the last match on a stretcher amid fears of a serious knee injury.
      Enner Valencia is hoping to lead his team out againCredit: Reuters
      But the tournament’s joint-top scorer has amazed team medics and is optimistic of facing Senegal in the winner-takes-all match.
      The Netherlands are odds on to win Group A which means whoever finishes behind them could well end up playing England in the last 16.
      Ex-West Ham striker Valencia has been undergoing intensive treatment since aggravating a knock in his country’s second game against the Dutch.
      And he was last seen being carried off with a huge ice pack on the affected area.
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      Ecuador coach Gustavo Alfaro said: “Enner Valencia unfortunately had a knee sprain in the first match. Hopefully the ligaments are ok and according to medical reports yes we have a knee sprain.
      “But he has a big heart and wants to be in every battle. We have the leadership from our captain and that is essential, something we always need.
      “He is an extraordinary player, someone I always pick and even if he is not ready for the start, I have confidence he will be there to play some part.
      “He is feisty and I hope he will be able to play more matches for us.”
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      Valencia, 33, scored the first goal of the tournament with a penalty against Qatar. He has three altogether and is level with France superstar Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.
      Ecuador have only progressed once beyond the group stage and never into the quarter finals.
      South American football is dominated by the twin giants of Brazil and Argentina. A duopoly that Ecuador’s Argentinian coach insists is changing.
      Alfaro said: “The World Cup so far has been beautiful. There was once a marked difference between the favourites and the rest. Suddenly you are seeing evenly matched games. This is how growth works.
      “I really hope this trophy will go to a South American team. We are ready to fight. We are feisty.
      “We have weapons. Our excitement, our talents. Our country has so many things pushing us forwards and we will bring our A game. We will give it all on the pitch and that is what we are doing. I am really happy with everything my team is doing.”
      Ecuador have their fate in their own hands. Even a draw against the African champions will see them through.
      They played England at the World Cup in Germany 2006. A David Bekcham free kick made the difference, sending the South Americans home.
      They could yet top Group A if they beat Holland’s results against abject hosts Qatar as the first stage draws to a close.
      Senegal have struggled in the absence of captain and recently-departed Liverpool forward Sadio Mane.
      Boss, ex Birmingham and Portsmouth midfielder Aliou Cisse does not want to put too much pressure on his players but regards this World Cup as a barometer for African football too.
      Then he said: “Football isn’t war. Nobody will die in battle. I hope not anyway. But it is an important game for my generation. We are playing extraordinary football and want to continue this adventure. 
      “We won’t be able to take our eyes off the ball. We know we can score, so can they. I know my boys will be focused tomorrow.
      “Not going to the last 16 would be a hard pill to swallow.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Possible Ecuador line-up: Galindez; Porozo, Torres, Hincapie; Preciado, Mendez, Caicedo, Estupinan, Plata, Valencia; Estrada.
      Possible Senegal line-up: Mendy; Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, Jakobs; Sarr, Mendy, Gueye, Diatta; Dia, Diedhiou.
      Ecuador’s Enner Valencia was taken off injured in the last gameCredit: AP More

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      Fans all say the same thing as Brazil legend Ronaldo filmed at World Cup game along with fan with his iconic haircut

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      BRAZIL legend Ronaldo was spotted in the stands for tonight’s World Cup Group G clash against Switzerland.And also in the crowd was an adoring fan rocking his iconic wedge haircut.
      Brazil legend Ronaldo was seen in the stands during Brazil’s clash with SwitzerlandCredit: ITV
      TV cameras then cut to a Brazil fan rocking Ronaldo’s iconic haircutCredit: ITV
      Ronaldo watched the game alongside Roberto Carlos and Diego SimeoneCredit: Getty
      TV cameras picked out Ronaldo, 46, now sporting a full head of hair, watching the action unfold.
      They then immediately cut to a Brazil fan in the stands showing off Ronaldo’s legendary old trim.
      The supporter had their head shaved, except from a triangular wedge at the front, exactly like Ronaldo did as he helped fire Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002 as the tournament top scorer.
      And fans watching on TV were left in stitches after the hilarious transition from the director.
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      One joked: “R9 sees R9.”
      Another said: “Bro got the R9 cut.”
      A third added: “Some fans are really iconic and extreme. He really brought back the reincarnation of R9.”
      And another quipped: “R9 looks oddly different.”
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      Ronaldo watched the game alongside former team-mate Roberto Carlos, plus Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone.
      Legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger sat behind them in the plush seats at Stadium 974 in Doha.
      A stunner from Manchester United midfielder Casemiro gave Brazil a 1-0 win and sent Ronaldo, along with his doppleganger, home happy.
      The five-time World Cup champions are safely through to the knockout stages with a game to spare.
      Casemiro scored the winner to send Brazil through to the knockout stagesCredit: Getty More

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      Portugal 2 Uruguay 0 – World Cup 2022 LIVE RESULT: Fernandes DOUBLE hands Portugal place in last-16

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      PORTUGAL came out victors against Uruguay and have sealed their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup with the victory.Cristiano Ronaldo claimed that he netted the opener, running off to celebrate with it unclear as to whether he met Bruno Fernandes’ goal bound cross.
      But Fifa officially awarded the goal to Fernandes – who added his second in additional time.
      A penalty was given for handball on Jose Gimenez, which appeared to be harsh as the ball struck his hand when he dived in to win the ball.
      It was an improved performance by the Uruguayans, who were unlucky not to score after registering several shots on target.
      They have it all to do when they face Ghana in their final match of the group stages.

      Kick-off: 7pm
      TV channel: ITV
      Live stream: ITV X
      Portugal XI: Costa, Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Mendes, Silva, Neves, Carvalho, Fernandes, Ronaldo, Felix
      Uruguay XI: Rochet, Coates, Godin, Gimenez, Varela, Valverde, Vecino, Bentancur, Olivera, Nunez, Cavani

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN WORLD CUP BONUSES
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below….
      Goodnight from Lusail Iconic Stadium
      That’s all from us on this Monday evening, and – sadly – that’s the end of games at four different times of the day.
      From tomorrow, we enter the final round of group games with a pair of fixtures kicking-off simultaneously at both 3pm and 7pm.
      Tuesday begins with the Group A contests where Netherlands, Ecuador and Senegal will be fighting it out for a place in the Last 16 before England and Wales take centre stage in the evening.
      You won’t want to miss a kick, and you won’t with us here at SunSport.
      Until then, thanks for joining us, and goodbye.
      Extra! Read all about it!
      Hot off the press, Dan King has filed his match report of Portugal’s 2-0 win against Uruguay at Lusail Iconic Stadium.
      Ronaldo was initially credited with putting the faintest of touches on a Fernandes cross and moving one ahead of his Argentinian nemesis again after Messi’s goal at the other end of the pitch two nights before. His face when he looked up to the screen to see it had been awarded to the Manchester United man was a picture.Dan KingThe Sun

      Selecao soar through to knockouts
      They’re yet to fully convince, but two wins from their opening two games means that are Portugal have made it through to the knockout stage with a game to spare.
      Earlier today, Ghana’s surprise defeat of South Korea means it is the Black Stars in pole position to join them; a draw in their grudge game with Uruguay on Friday should be enough to see them through in second place.

      South Korea 2-3 Ghana
      Portugal 2-0 Uruguay

      Final games on Friday:

      Ghana v Uruguay (3pm)
      South Korea v Portugal (3pm)

      Credit: FIFA.Com
      Friends fight over final touch
      Cristiano Ronaldo embraced Bruno Fernandes at the final whistle and engaged in friendly debate as to who should be awarded Portugal’s opening goal.
      The 37-year-old remains adamant that he got a slight and final touch on his teammate’s cross before it deceived Sergio Rochet.
      If he doesn’t allow Ronaldo the goal, expect another bombshell interview with Piers Morgan soon.

      Match stats from Lusail Stadium
      Portugal just about edged this Group H clash, a contest that will be remembered for the controversy surrounding the award of the late penalty and the confusion regarding the identity of the first goalscorer.

      Full time – Portugal 2-0 Uruguay
      The final whistle goes and the Portuguese have sealed their place in the Last 16 with a group game to spare.
      Bruno Fernandes was again responsible for the win, this time with a double, one of which came from the penalty spot, the other that was claimed by Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Uruguay look a pale shadow of their sides from World Cups past, and must now be considering dumping some of the old guard.

      Portugal 2-0 Uruguay
      90+9. Fernandes again! Even closer this time as he strikes the base of the post!
      The Portugal players are now knocking the ball around the Uruguay players for fun. Someone put them out of their misery, please.
      Portugal 2-0 Uruguay
      90+8. Fernandes almost bags a hat-trick in the final seconds!
      A slick break against tired legs sees Ramos lift it over from the left for the Manchester United ace to meet first time at the back post with a volley kept out by the legs of Rochet.

      Portugal 2-0 Uruguay
      90+6. On the bench, the Uruguayan players not currently involved look shell-shocked.
      They simply must beat Ghana on Friday now.
      Portugal 2-0 Uruguay
      90+3. There’s no debate as to whose goal this one is!
      Bruno Fernandes is as cool as you like in netting his and Portugal’s second of the night.
      The Manchester United star stuttered on his run up and waited for Sergio Rochet to commit himself before rolling the ball low to his right.
      The Selecao are heading for the knockout stages!

      Bruno at the double!

      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – Penalty to Portugal!
      90. Sure enough, Alireza Faghani returns to the pitch and points to the spot.
      The Uruguay players are furious, and for once, who can blame them?
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – VAR Review!
      89. Nevertheless, the Iranian referee has been told to go and check the incident on the pitchside monitor.
      Bonkers.
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
      87. Bruno Fernandes executes a perfect nutmeg on a flailing defender, and almost wins a penalty for handball in the process.
      The ball does flick off Gimenez’s arm as he goes to ground, but surely there’s little he could have done about it.

      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – Uruguay substitution
      85. A final change for La Celeste sees Matias Vina on for the final five minutes.
      The defender takes over from Mathias Olivera.
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
      84. Portugal have regrouped, and are looking to see this one out by sitting deep in front of the ball.
      Can they see it out for only their second win against South American opposition at the World Cup?
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – Portugal triple substitution
      82. Another flurry of changes for the Portuguese.
      Ronaldo – without a goal to his name – is off, along with Joao Felix and William Carvalho.
      On come Fulham’s midfield machine, Joao Palhinha, and Matheus Nunes and Goncalo Ramos.
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
      80. Into the last ten minutes here, and Uruguay are pressing.
      Fernando Santos knows as much, and sends for reinforcements.
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
      79. Another chance for Uruguay!
      A lovely pass in behind the defence from Valverde has De Arrascaeta in the clear, but his first time attempt is weak and easily saved by Diogo Costa.
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
      78. Suarez! He should have scored!
      The delivery from the set-piece into the area is a poor one, but the former Liverpool ace makes the most of the mis-hit cross.
      He takes a good first touch to steady himself at the near post, but then whips the second straight into the side-netting.

      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – Joao Felix yellow card
      77. Joao Felix is penalised and cautioned for a poor attempt at tracking back, and Uruguay have a chance to test the Portugal defence with a free-kick 35 yards out on the left.
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
      74. Off the post!
      Pellistri has breathed new life into Uruguay, and it’s his direct play that opened up the opportunity for another substitute.
      Gomez lets fly from 20 yards with one of his first involvements, and is unfortunate to see his strike crash back off the woodwork.
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – Uruguay substitutions
      72. Another double change from the South Americans.
      Luis Suarez is on for the final proceedings alongside fellow forward Maxi Gomez.
      Edinson Cavani and Darwin Nunez are replaced.
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay
      70. Ronaldo moves inside the penalty area and goes does under the soft challenge of Coates.
      The forward wants a penalty, but not for the first time, referee Alireza Faghani tells him to get up.
      In ends a hilarious run of play where a dive at either end of the pitch is topped 30 seconds later by Ronaldo’s antics.
      Portugal 1-0 Uruguay – Portugal substitution
      68. The much-coveted Rafael Leao is on for his second substitute appearance at these finals.
      The AC Milan youngster replaces Ruben Neves.
      Load more entries… More

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      France star Kylian Mbappe ‘set to be FINED over reaction to Man of the Match award in World Cup win over Denmark’

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE is set to be hit with a fine after refusing to speak to the press despite winning the Match of the Match award against Denmark.Fifa rules state a player who wins the Man of the Match award must be prepared to talk to the media after the game.
      Kylian Mbappe is set to be slapped by a fine from FifaCredit: Alamy
      Mbappe shows off his Man of the Match award after his brace against DenmarkCredit: Getty
      However, Mbappe refused to speak to the press after his match-winning brace against Denmark and is now likely to face action.
      The Paris Saint-Germain ace also refused to speak to the press following his nation’s 4-1 win over Australia.
      Mbappe and the French Football Federation (FFF) were warned about the consequences of it happening a second time.
      And according to ESPN the FFF will now share the incoming fine with Mbappe.
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      Instead of Mbappe, France captain Hugo Lloris was joined by compatriots including Matteo Guendouzi, Aurelien Tchouameni, Olivier Giroud, Ousmane Dembele, Raphael Varane and others in the press zone.
      Both Mbappe and the FFF are aware of the speculation regarding Mbappe’s club future.
      And this could be the reason behind the 23-year-old’s refusal to speak to the press in the first place.
      He is said to be unhappy at PSG after being unable to have the amount of control in club decisions as he was promised when he signed his new deal.
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      Nevertheless, Mbappe has not allowed his off pitch drama to taint his performances on the pitch.
      Mbappe has already scored three times in Qatar and netted 19 times in all competitions for PSG this season, including seven from six games in the Champions League. More

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      Brazil 1 Switzerland 0: Casemiro stunner sees off stubborn Swiss as they qualify for World Cup last 16 without Neymar

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      BRAZIL spent four days insisting they had enough superstars to not to notice the absence of Neymar – but no-one thought that the hero would be Casemiro.Yet that was exactly the case, when the midfielder best known for his defending than the dynamite in his boots produced an absolute rocket to send the favourites into the last 16.
      Casemiro netted a great goal to secure Brazil’s place in the Round of 16Credit: Getty
      The Man Utd man proved the unlikely heroCredit: AP
      Casemiro’s last goal for his country came in a qualifier against Ecuador nearly two years ago. He had five in 65 games going into this Group G clash.
      But never will he hit a ball with more power and precision than the 83rd minute rocket which arrowed past Yann Sommer to snatch a win most had all but given up on.
      Without their talisman Brazil had been laboured and quite frankly flat for long, long periods.
      Yes, they had the ball in the net from Vinicius Junior, only to be denied by bad luck as much as bad judgement.
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      But by their magnificent standards they had been poor. Proof in fact, that while Tite tried to pull the wool over everyone’s eyes by saying they could cope without Neymar, the truth was far different.
      The Brazil coach had better pray his medical team work their magic on his striker’s damaged right ankle ligaments by the time of their last 16 game, or the wait for a sixth World Cup may go on a little longer.
      And when Fred is the replacement, it does leave you questioning whether there should be a ‘Mad’ in front of Tite’s usual nickname of Professor.
      Mind you, at least it is two wins from two, at least they are through as table toppers and at least they can’t play as badly as this again. Surely not – and not get away with it anyway.
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      They didn’t look like they were going to against the Swiss for such long, long periods either.
      Vinicius Jnr thought he was was going to be the man who won it for them when he skipped past Nico Elvedi and buried it past Yann Sommer after Casemiro’s through ball on 64 minutes.
      But Richarlison, the two-goal hero of their opening win over Serbia, was half a yard offside before he got the faintest of touches to Casemiro’s pass, to deflect it away from Manuel Akanji.
      Having said that, even if he hadn’t clipped the ball, he would have been interfering with play so VAR official Drew Fischer was right to tell ref Ivan Barton to disallow it.
      That aside, VIni Jnr had come closest to a winner, when he arrived at the far post to meet Raphinha’s delicious 27th minute cross.
      But his connection was more shin than boot, and although Sommer had to make a save, he was always going to push it behind.
      That looked as close as we were going to get to a winner – but then Vini turned provider with the cutest of flicks.
      And Casemiro spun and rocketed a flying half volley into the far corner to snatch it. The Swiss clocked at last… and finally reason for Brazil to go nuts. More

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      Karim Benzema could STILL play at World Cup 2022 with France star ‘recovering from injury quicker than expected’

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      KARIM BENZEMA could make a sensational recovery to play at the World Cup.France were dealt a blow on the eve of the tournament when he withdrew from the squad with a thigh injury that was estimated to keep him out for three weeks.
      Karim Benzema was ruled out for the tournament following an injury in trainingCredit: AP
      Benzema uploaded a photo on Instagram as he steps up his recovery from injuryCredit: @karimbenzema
      But sensational reports from Spain have suggested the Real Madrid star may be recovering quicker than expected, and could rejoin the squad at a later date.
      Benzema was never replaced so could technically link back up with Les Bleus, but French sources are playing down the likelihood of it actually happening.
      Meanwhile, Jules Kounde has promised not to rein it in against Tunisia – despite the risk of suspension.
      France have already qualified from Group D after beating Australia and Denmark and will likely rotate their squad against the Tunisians tomorrow.
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      But Kounde, who was booked against the Danes, will still go full pelt even though he knows another caution would see him banned for the last 16.
      The Barcelona star, 24, said: “I’ll be a bit more careful maybe but I’ll never play at 50 per cent just not to have a yellow card.”
      Kounde was set to join Chelsea in the summer from Sevilla.
      But he switched at the last minute to Barca instead, where he will enjoy El Clasicos against best mate and Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, 22.
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      The close pair were in the Bordeaux academy together and are now starring for the national team alongside each other.
      Versatile defender Kounde added: “It’s amazing to be able to share this opportunity with your friend. We’re very close. We look at things the same. 
      “We have the same mentality, we have the same agency, we have the same desire to succeed. It connects us and is very special.”
      Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris will equal Lilian Thuram’s record of 142 France caps if he is selected in goal against Tunisia, who are fighting to stay at the World Cup. More

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      England World Cup star Jordan Henderson urged to sign up for I’m A Celeb 2023 by Lionesses legend Jill Scott

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      JORDAN HENDERSON has been nominated by Queen of the Jungle Jill Scott to be the next footballer on I’m A Celebrity.The former England midfielder received nearly 60 per cent of the 12 million votes to be crowned the winner of the hit ITV show last night.
      Jill Scott was crowned Queen of the Jungle on ITV’s ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’Credit: Rex
      She has nominated her fellow Sunderland-born star Jordan Henderson to go in the jungle nextCredit: Getty
      That capped an incredible 2022 for the much-loved star after her Euros success with the Lionesses in the summer.
      Sunderland-born Scott then joined Good Morning Britain to chat about her latest triumph this morning.
      And when she was asked by hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls about which footy ace should be next to sign up for I’m a Celebrity, she went for a fellow “Mackem” from Sunderland.
      Scott replied: “I don’t think they’d get the time off football to go into the jungle – but Jordan Henderson, fellow Mackem.
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      “I think he’s got a strong mindset, so yeah – let’s put him in the jungle.
      “But only once he’s retired.”
      Henderson, 32, will be hoping that he is still a long way off hanging up his boots.
      He is currently on World Cup duty with Gareth Southgate’s England squad in Qatar.
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      They are preparing for a Battle of Britain clash tomorrow with Wales that should seal their place in the last-16.
      The Liverpool skipper, who has lifted both the Premier League and Champions League at Anfield, will be hoping to win his 72nd cap in the game.
      Only a heavy defeat to Wales would knock England out of the group stages. More

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      Sergio Aguero rushes to pal Lionel Messi’s defence after being threatened by Canelo Alvarez for ‘kicking Mexico shirt’

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      SERGIO AGUERO has rushed to the defence of Lionel Messi after he was threatened by UFC star Canelo Alvarez for kicking a Mexico shirt.Messi, 35, inspired Argentina with a goal and assist as his country beat Canelo’s nation 2-0 to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
      Lionel Messi moved a Mexico shirt with his foot
      Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi are best friendsCredit: AFP
      Canelo Alvarez fumed at Lionel Messi’s apparent disrespectful actionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      In the dressing room celebrations the Paris Saint-Germain star booted a Mexico shirt away from him that was on the floor.
      Canelo took offence to this tweeting: “Did you guys see Messi cleaning the floor with our jersey and flag?
      “He better pray to God that I don’t find him.
      “Just like I respect Argentina, he has to respect Mexico!”
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      Messi’s old Argentina teammate Aguero has fired shots back at the fighter.
      Aguero wrote in response: “Mr. Canelo, don’t look for excuses or problems, surely you don’t know about soccer and what happens in a locker room. 
      “The shirts are always on the floor after the games are over due to sweat and then if you see, he makes the movement to remove the boot and accidentally hits it.”
      Aguero and Messi are close friends and were roommates on international duty for years before the ex-Man City striker retired.
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      It has been reported that Messi is rooming alone in Qatar as he wants nobody to replace Aguero.
      Another of the seven time Ballon d’Or winner’s pals also defended his antics.
      Cesc Fabregas bit back at Canelo saying: “You neither know the person, nor do you understand how a locker room works or what happens after a game.
      “All shirts, even the ones we wear ourselves, go on the floor and are washed afterwards. And more when you celebrate an important victory.” More