World Cup

FIFA have been slammed for appointing Adriana Lima as a global fan ambassador.The supermodel was given the role in order to “develop, promote and participate in global initiatives” ahead of the Women’s World Cup later this year.
Adriana Lima has been appointed as a global fan ambassador for FifaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Adriana is a world-famous supermodelCredit: Splash
The decision has been criticised as ‘baffling’Credit: Splash
Ex-Fifa council member Moya Dodd has slammed the decisionCredit: Reuters
However, the decision has been labelled as “tone deaf” by former Fifa council member and Australia international Moya Dodd.
Dodd believes that it is sending an inappropriate message to players and fans.
She said via The Athletic: “When a girl plays football, the world sees her differently.
“Instead of being complimented on her nice looks or her pretty dress, she is valued for her game-saving tackles and brilliant goal-scoring.
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“She’s admired for what she can do, rather than how she looks, putting her on a more equal footing with her brothers in a way that can alter the whole trajectory of her life’s ambitions.
“In a Fifa World Cup year, that’s the message that should be ringing loud and true around the world.
“Where a supermodel fits into this is truly baffling.”
Dodd was on the committee for the successful World Cup bid to be held in Australia and New Zealand.
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She also referred to comments made by Lima in an interview with GQ in 2006 in which she said abortion was a “crime”.
However, Lima’s publicist, Laurent Boye, has insisted that she has changed her views.
She said in a statement: “We can proudly say that Ms Lima has been promoting a healthy lifestyle for several years and like many people, her position on many LGBTQIA+ and women issues has evolved and she is considered an ally.”
The Women’s World Cup starts on July 20 as New Zealand face Norway in the tournament’s opening match. More

AS if Lionel Messi’s magic wasn’t enough on the pitch, it seems he is more than capable of some off it.While in attendance at the award ceremony for Fifa’s The Best, Messi was confronted by magician Julius Dein.
Lionel Messi was named Fifa’s The Best Men’s PlayerCredit: Reuters
Magician Julius Dein attempted a magic trick on MessiCredit: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CpNykZ5uwk0/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D
But Messi saw through the trickCredit: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CpNykZ5uwk0/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D
He attended alongside wife Antonella RoccuzzoCredit: The Mega Agency
The Londoner took Messi’s phone and attempted to play a trick with the flashlight on the phone.
Dein seemingly took the light off of it directly before putting it in his mouth, chewing it and then blowing it back onto the phone.
However, Messi was not to be fooled and simply responded: “I know this one,” before producing a gleaming smile.
The shutdown left Dein joking: “Well that didn’t go according to plan 🤦‍♂️,” before admitting: “I’m retiring.”
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But fans were left perplexed as to why he would challenge a fellow “magician”.
One fan said: “U were challenging a magician.”
A second remarked: “Trying to show magic to a magician.”
A third wrote: “Mate you can’t fool a magician 😂.”
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While a fourth asked: “Are you trying to teach magic to the greatest magician ever?”
The 35-year-old Argentine, who attended the Paris ceremony with wife Antonella Roccuzzo, won his second Fifa Best Men’s Player title following his World Cup heroics in Qatar.
The gong puts him level with Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of two wins.
Messi was also named in the FIFPRO World XI alongside Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Kylian Mbappe.
In the women’s award, Beth Mead was pipped by Alexia Putellas but was named in the women’s World XI alongside Lionesses team-mates, Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson and Keira Walsh.
England boss Sarina Wiegman and Manchester United’s Mary Earps won best women’s coach and goalkeeper respectively following their Euro 2022 glory last summer. More