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      Argentina release incredible Christmas advert as boy thanks ‘Santa Claus’ Lionel Messi for putting World Cup under tree

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      ARGENTINA have released a brilliant Christmas advert celebrating their World Cup victory.The advert stars a boy opening his Christmas presents under the tree and receiving the World Cup trophy.
      ¡Gracias Papá Lionel! 🎅 El regalo más preciado ya está en casa 🏆¡Felicidades para todo el pueblo argentino! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/lobbHa1hNR— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) December 24, 2022

      The advert starts with a boy running down the stars on Christmas morningCredit: Twitter @argentina
      He runs to open his present under the treeCredit: Twitter @argentina
      As he opens the present, he reveals the World Cup trophyCredit: Twitter @argentina
      He kisses the trophy and thanks ‘Papa Lionel’ for the giftCredit: Twitter @argentina
      Lionel Messi captained Argentina to their World Cup triumph in QatarCredit: AP
      The video was posted on Twitter with the message: “Thank you Papa Lionel.
      “The most precious gift is already at home. Congratulations to all the Argentine people!”
      Upon seeing the trophy, the boy exclaims, “Thank you Papa Lionel”.
      In Argentina, Santa Claus is known as Papa Noel, but it has been changed to hail the national team captain Lionel Messi.
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      The victory over France in the final in Qatar was the ultimate gift for Argentinian fans ahead of the festive period.
      And they loved the video, as one commented: “I did not want to start crying this early, thank you Messi”.
      A second wrote: “See this and we continue crying all hugged”.
      A third added: “Merry Christmas to Argentina and thank you for the best Christmas present”.
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      Messi netted a brace in the match as Angel Di Maria also got on the scoresheet for Argentina.
      But the game went to penalties as France star Kylian Mbappe fired in a hat-trick.
      Then it was Gonzalo Montiel’s time to step up and be the hero as he converted the winning spot-kick. More

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      ‘Dad… my strength is yours’ – Pele’s kids share emotional posts as they accompany Brazil World Cup legend in hospital

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      PELE’s children have posted emotional snaps of themselves and the Brazil legend in hospital following his latest health scare.The three-time World Cup winner was admitted to hospital in late November after taking a turn for the worse.
      Pele’s daughter shared an emotional snap of them from the hospital to InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@KELYNASCIMENTO
      Pele’s son Edinho has also been to see his fatherCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Brazil legend Pele, 82, was admitted to hospital in late NovemberCredit: AFP
      The three-time World Cup winner has been battling colon cancer for over a yearCredit: AFP
      The 82-year-old – who has been battling colon cancer since September of last year – has yet to be discharged from the hospital, where his daughter shared a heartfelt snap of them.
      Kely Nascimento uploaded a picture of herself hugging her father in his hospital room on her Instagram page.
      Pele’s granddaughter could be seen in the background laying on a sofa.
      Kely’s accompanying caption read: “We continue to be here, in fight and in faith. Another night together.”
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      She also included a video of her father sleeping in bed while the family spoke to him.
      The entire football world has kept Pele in their thoughts and prayers since his admission to Sao Paulo’s Albert Einstein hospital – where he’ll spend Christmas.
      And the outpouring of emotion has given him immense “comfort.”
      Kely said: “Your love for him, your stories and your prayers are a HUGE comfort because we know we are not alone.
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      “Let’s turn this room into a Sambadrome (just kidding), let’s even make caipirinhas (not kidding!!).”
      Pele’s son, Edinho, has also arrived at the hospital to show his support for his father.
      He posted a picture on Instagram of their hands holding each other, along with the emotional message: “Father… my strength is yours”.
      Pele is currently receiving treatment for cardiac and renal dysfunction.
      A recent hospital statement read: “Admitted since November 29 for a reassessment of chemotherapy therapy for colon tumour and treatment of a respiratory infection, Edson Arantes do Nascimento presents progression of the oncological disease and requires greater care related to renal and cardiac dysfunctions.
      “The patient remains hospitalised in a common room, under the necessary care of the medical team.”
      Daughter Flavia said: “At the hospital, he is better assisted.
      “But he’s not in the ICU, he’s in a normal room. So he’s not at risk.
      Pele is widely considered to be one of the greatest footballers of all timeCredit: AFP
      “As a person with a more delicate health, it is better to be in the hospital.”
      Despite being hospital-bound, Pele didn’t miss out on the sensational World Cup final between Argentina and France last weekend.
      He wrote on Instagram: “Today, football continues to tell its story, as always, in an enthralling way.
      “[Lionel] Messi winning his first World Cup, as his trajectory deserved.
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      “My dear friend, Mbappe, scoring four goals in a final.
      “What a gift it was to watch this spectacle to the future of our sport.” More

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      Football fans in hysterics at ‘worst ever’ Lionel Messi tattoo following Argentina star lifting World Cup

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      FANS have been left in hysterics after one Argentina supporter got the “worst ever” tattoo of Lionel Messi.The fan got the World Cup-winning captain inked on their back, but people joked at how bad the design was.
      Lionel Messi won the World Cup with Argentina in QatarCredit: AP
      A fan appears to have a had Lionel Messi holding the World Cup inked on his back
      The tattoo shows Messi holding the World Cup trophy in his Argentina shirt, but the proportions of his head seem slightly off.
      Despite there being no confirmation that the ink job is genuine, fans were quick to poke fun at it.
      One commented: “When the tattoo artist is a Brazil supporter.”
      A second wrote: “Looks like Messi in 2026 being 39 and overweight.”
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      A third said: “He should go get his money back.”
      A fourth added: “Looks like a combo of Messi and Rooney.”
      Messi lifted the trophy after Argentina beat France in the final in Qatar.
      The PSG attacker netted twice in the game, but the tie still had to be settled by a penalty shootout.
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      Messi converted his spot-kick, but it was Gonzalo Montiel who slotted home the decisive penalty.
      The award completed Messi’s glittering trophy cabinet and sealed his legacy as one of, if not, the best footballers of all time.
      He has been celebrating alongside his team-mates in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
      He is now set to spend Christmas at his home in Rosario and avoid public appearances to spend time with his family. More

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      Emi Martinez branded a ‘vulgar clown’ by Souness and ‘stupid’ by Vieira as backlash over World Cup antics rumble on

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      EMI MARTINEZ has been branded a “vulgar clown” and “stupid” following his antics after Argentina’s World Cup triumph.The Aston Villa stopper caused a furore moments after collecting the Glove Glove award after La Abliceleste’s penalty shootout victory over France by putting the trophy to his crotch and thrusting it forward.
      Emi Martinez was the hero of Argentina’s World Cup triumph over FranceCredit: REX
      Martinez heroics throughout the tournament won him the Golden GloveCredit: REX
      Martinez’s gesture seconds after winning the award has been branded “vulgar”Credit: REX
      Emiliano Martinez taunted Kylian Mbappe by holding baby doll with his face on
      The gesture amused many, but not former Liverpool and Scotland star Graeme Souness.
      He wrote in his Daily Mail column: “Much of the debate post World Cup Final has centred on the behaviour of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez during the penalty shootout.
      “I can accept those antics, to a point.
      “But what we should be talking about more is the crude gesture he made after collecting his goalkeeper of the tournament trophy.
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      “Do some people really find that sort of thing funny?
      “Martinez embarrassed himself and he embarrassed his country. He looked like a vulgar clown.
      “If that is what he wants to be remembered for, then God help us all.”
      Souness’ sentiment was echoed by Crystal Palace manager and World Cup winner Patrick Vieira, who also slammed Martinez’s goading of Kylian Mbappe.
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      He said: “When you are talking about the abuse and the comments that he received after the World Cup, I think that is damaging the game and himself.
      “Some of the pictures that I saw from the Argentina goalkeeper took away a little bit from what Argentina achieved at the World Cup.
      “I don’t think that they really needed that.
      “You can’t control sometimes people’s emotions or decisions, but that was a stupid decision from Martinez to do that.”
      The French Football Federation filed a formal complaint against Martinez after he was spotted holding a doll with a photo of Mbappe on it during Argentina’s celebrations in Buenos Aires.
      And he’ll receive a dressing down from club manager Unai Emery for his actions.
      The Villa gaffer said: “When you have big emotions, it is sometimes difficult to control them.
      “I will speak with him (Martinez) next week about some celebrations, but I respect that he is now with his national team.
      “When he’s with us, under our responsibility, we can speak about it.”
      He added: “We are so proud of him. He won the World Cup with his national team and it’s amazing.
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      “Fans of Aston Villa must be very proud of him. He’s coming back next week.
      “I want him to rest now because after big emotion and hard work, he has to have some days off to rest then he’ll come back to work with us.” More

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      Ex-Brazil coach Tite robbed on streets of Rio de Janeiro with thief attacking 61-year-old for World Cup failure

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      BRAZIL’S recently departed manager Tite has allegedly been robbed in Rio.Reports from Brazil claim that he was out walking at 6am when he was targeted by the thief.
      Former Brazil boss Tite has allegedly been robbed in RioCredit: The Mega Agency
      The thief took his chain and then blasted him for Brazil’s World Cup exitCredit: AFP
      He was reportedly robbed of a chain – before the individual then complained and blasted him over Brazil’s elimination from the World Cup.
      The 61-year-old had been in charge of the Samba Boys since 2016 and led them to Copa America success three years ago.
      He has just returned to his homeland after leading them to the last-eight of the World Cup.
      However, their hopes of becoming record six-time world champions was ended by Croatia in a penalty shoot-out.
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      That led to him resigning following the heartbreaking exit.
      Now things have reportedly got much worse for Tite after an incident at 6am – although it seems that he did escape without injury.
      A host of stars were quick to pay tribute to Tite after his resignation, with Paris Saint-Germain Brazilian superstar Neymar leading them.
      He said: “I knew you as a coach and knew that you were very good, but as a person you are great!
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      “You know who I am and that’s what matters to me.
      “I want to thank you openly for everything, all the teachings that you have given us – there were so many.
      “You will always be one of the best coaches I’ve ever had or will ever have.”
      Tite had promised to quit back in February, revealing he wanted one more shot at winning the World Cup after leading them to the quarters in 2018 too.
      He previously stated: “I’m going until the end of the World Cup.
      “I have no reason to lie here. I don’t want to win any way. I’ve won everything in my career, the only thing missing is the World Cup.”
      However, after the crushing Croatia loss, he said: “As I said, my cycle is over. I said it over a year and a half ago. I’m not a man of two words.”
      Both Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola have been linked with becoming his replacement. More

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      Angel Di Maria gets HUGE World Cup tattoo on his thigh after netting in another final in thrilling win over France

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      ANGEL DI MARIA has commemorated Argentina’s World Cup triumph with a massive tattoo.The Juventus winger scored in the final against France and helped his side on its way to their third title in the competition.
      Angel Di Maria got a tattoo to celebrate Argentina’s World Cup winCredit: https://www.instagram.com/angeldimariajm/
      The design is of the trophy on his right thighCredit: https://www.instagram.com/angeldimariajm/
      To celebrate the achievement, the 34-year-old has invested in a massive thigh tattoo of the World Cup trophy.
      Above the trophy, there are three stars to symbolise Argentina’s three World Cup wins, with the previous two coming in 1978 and 1986.
      Behind the ink, there is the Argentinian “Sun of May”, which is featured on the country’s flag.
      The tattoo was designed and done by artist Ezequiel Viapiano.
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      He shared the pictures with his 22.9 million Instagram followers alongside the caption: “On the skin for all eternity.
      “Thanks very much buddy. You had said it when we did the Copa America, the other leg was being saved for this moment.
      “It was written. Let’s go Argentina.”
      His fans loved the tattoo and were quick to comment their approval as well as their thanks to his efforts in the final.
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      One said: “Spectacular”.
      A second commented: “The best of tattoos”.
      A third added: “Well deserved for so much waiting and sacrifice sooner or later the divine reward arrived and this time it was your turn. From Cordoba capital champion, thanks forever”.
      After the final Di Maria flew back to his homeland to celebrate the victory in Buenos Aires alongside his team-mates.
      The team had an open-top bus ride through the capital city as they were hailed by their fans. More

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      Notoriously tough L’Equipe name their team of 2022 with four Premier League players making the XI

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      NOTORIOUSLY tough French newspaper L’Equipe have named four Premier League players in their team of 2022. The paper is renowned for their savage scoring of players, recently refusing to rate Ousmane Dembele after he was hooked in the World Cup final.

      But in their team of the year, they did name three French players, Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema and Theo Hernandez.
      Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the Qatar final against eventual winners Argentina, finished the year with 55 goals for club and country.
      As well as a World Cup runners-up medal, the forward also had a Ligue 1 winners medal.
      Benzema ended the last 12 months with 31 goals while winning the Champions League, LaLiga titles and Ballon D’or award.
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      He pipped Lionel Messi to the trophy, with the legendary forward scoring 35 times for PSG and Argentina in 2022.
      But alongside club team-mate Mbappe, Messi lifted the Ligue 1 title and then at long last the World Cup.
      L’Equipe named Premier League quartet Kevin de Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Casemiro and Virgil van Dijk in their team of the year.
      De Bruyne and Walker both led Manchester City to the Premier League title in the summer, pipping Liverpool and Van Dijk.
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      Casemiro joined Manchester United in the summer having helped Real Madrid to Champions League glory.
      Keeper Thibaut Courtois and Luka Modric won the LaLiga title along with being named in L’Equipe’s team of the year.
      Left-back Hernandez, also included, helped AC Milan to a first Serie A triumph in 11 years.

      Rising defensive star Josko Gvardiol earned his spot in the XI having emerged as one of the best centre-backs in the world.
      Chelsea and Real Madrid are among the clubs eyeing up the Croatian in the transfer market.
      Josko Gvardiol has emerged as one of the best centre-backs in the worldCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Time travelling’ fan predicted Lionel Messi would win the World Cup on December 18 2022 SEVEN YEARS ago

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      A “TIME TRAVELLING” football fan has become a hit on social media after a spooky prediction SEVEN YEARS ago came true.Back in 2015, a Twitter user named Jose Miguel Polanco prophesied that Lionel Messi would lead Argentina to World Cup glory on December 18, 2022.
      Lionel Messi fired Argentina to World Cup glory last week against FranceCredit: Getty
      Last Sunday, the South Americans overcame France on penalties to be crowned world champions for a third time.
      Argentina were cruising to a 2-0 win, with Messi scoring the opener, before a late double from Mbappe sent the match to extra-time.
      The legendary 35-year-old then put Argentina back in front prior to Mbappe securing his hat-trick.
      But Emi Martinez would prove to be the hero as the Argentina goalie’s heroics helped them secure glory with a 4-2 shoot-out win.
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      All of that kept most viewers on the edge of their seat, but not the seemingly mystical Jose Miguel Polanco.
      Back on March 20, 2015, he wrote: “December 18, 2022. 34 year old Leo Messi will win the World Cup and become the greatest player of all times.
      “Check back with me in seven years!”
      Amazingly, it all came true… except for the fact that Messi is 35 rather than 34.
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      One fan Twitter user hailed him as a “time traveller” while another wrote: “This is just too weird man, how on earth did he get this so spot on?!
      “I demand to know the lottery results for the next ten weeks, I need to get paid man.”
      Another commented: “I’m checking back with you! The GOAT did it and ended the debate!”
      While a fellow fan wrote: “The best part of this tweet is somehow getting Messi’s age wrong, the one part that you would think it would be impossible to mess up.”
      However, it seems far more likely that the individual did in fact tweet numerous predictions and deleted the wrong ones to leave him with left with the one most accurate.
      And with regards to the final date, well that had already been confirmed by that point also! More