World Cup

HOW much is Lionel Messi worth? Just under a fiver!At least, that is how much the 1000-peso note, on which Argentina’s Central Bank is reportedly considering putting the great man’s face, is valued at in pound sterling.
Argentina are considering putting Lionel Messi’s face on moneyCredit: Twitter
Mock ups of the notes have been made to show what it could look likeCredit: Twitter
Lionel Messi fired Argentina to World Cup victory – their first in 36 yearsCredit: Reuters
According to El Financiero newspaper, officials at the South American country’s financial governing body are looking at options to mark their nation’s historic World Cup triumph.
Having a snap of Messi’s mug on the grand bill is said to be a preferred option as the figure begins with a “10” – the shirt number worn by the GOAT.
And on the back of the proposed bit of dosh it has been suggested that “La Scaloneta” – the nickname of Argentine boss Lionel Scaloni – will be inscribed.
This will be to honour his feats of winning the 2021 Copa America, the Finalissima against Euros champions Italy and victory in Qatar.
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Argentina’s Central Bank introduced commercial coins to commemorate the country’s first of their three World Cup triumphs back in 1978.
Messi is currently enjoying basking in his World Cup glory having finally landed the only trophy to have eluded him during his glittering career.

He scored twice in the unforgettable final which Argentina won on penalties after drawing 3-3 with France after extra-time.
Messi, 35, was named player of the tournament, though he was pipped to the Golden Boot by Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Kylian Mbappe, who netted a hat-trick in the final.
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Mbappe showed up for PSG training on Wednesday just three days after his final agony – despite being expected to be off for another week.
Messi is not expected to return to the French side until the New Year.  More

TOPLESS Argentina football fans are stealing the headlines in light of the national team winning the World Cup and these images take viewers inside the viral trend.Ever since the La Albiceleste’s stunning victory, social media has been flooded with glam Argentinian women getting their kit off to celebrate the win.
The two Argentina fans who went viral after stripping in the stands during the World Cup finalCredit: Instagram/noe.dreams1
One woman left nothing to the imagination as she celebrated Argentina’s victoryCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
The videos are going gangbusters bringing in millions of views from around the world.
On Twitter, @Casual Ultra Official stitched together all the known clips into one big compilation taking the breath away of many viewers.
It starts with the two women who were caught baring their boobs on live TV as the camera spanned across supporters at Lusail Stadium.
They were later identified as two models called Milu and Noe who had artists paint their breasts especially for the occasion.
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The next clip shows a woman in Buenos Aires hanging out of car with her gigantic cleavage swaying in the breeze.
It is followed by many other topless women, even one elderly woman getting among the craze.
Another passionate fan even strutted by Buenos Aires’ iconic Obelisk monument completely naked.
The stunt was believed to be inspired by Diego Maradona, who promised to take his clothes off at the Obelisk and run round the monument if Argentina won the 2010 World Cup when he was the national team boss.
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The video compilation has more than half a million views with users flocking to share their thoughts.
“Dayyum,” a Twitter user said.
“Apparently the World Cup is a D Cup,” one said.
“I never knew I was born to support Argentina, I strongly believe these celebrations should go on until the next World Cup,” another said.

There has been no sign of the nakedness ending, however, the massive celebrations have been dampened after one boy died.
Another Argentinian fan also died during the wild partying after choking to death from a national flag that got caught in a motorcycle.
The famous topless women showed themselves getting bodypaint applied ahead of the finalCredit: Instagram – @ noe.dreams1
Noemi, now known as “The Topless Girl” was filmed topless during Argentina’s thrilling win over France
Argentina players celebrate on a bus flanked by riot copsCredit: AFP More

EMILIANO MARTINEZ taunted Kylian Mbappe once again by clutching a baby doll with his face on it during Argentina’s World Cup celebrations. The Argentines beat France on penalties after a thrilling match in Qatar – which saw the Frenchman become the first player since Sir Geoff Hurst to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final.
Emiliano Martinez held a toy baby with Kylian Mbappe’s face on itCredit: @ESPNFC
Martinez helped Argentina overcome Mbappe’s France in the finalCredit: Getty
Martinez, labelled a “s***house” for his antics during the final, aimed a dig at Mbappe in the dressing room after the game.
The Aston Villa stopper demanded a minute’s silence for the “dead” Mbappe.

And he has continued his bizarre beef with the 24-year-old during Argentina’s celebrations back home in Buenos Aires.
The goalkeeper, who donned nothing but shorts, a hat and sunglasses while on the bus parade, was pictured cradling a toy baby with Mbappe’s face stuck on.
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This whole ordeal happened next to Lionel Messi, who scored twice and was crucial in the build-up to his side’s other goal.
While Messi did not appear to react to the dig, Mbappe may end up raising the issue when they meet up next at club level.
The pair have been in terrific form for Paris Saint-Germain this season, with Mbappe contributing 24 goals and Messi 26.
Messi was thrown a toy turtle during one stage of the celebrations, prompting a laugh from the former Barcelona star.
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This is in reference to Mbappe’s nickname in the PSG dressing room, Donatello, one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
The celebrations in Buenos Aires have seen MILLIONS of people line the streets in order to celebrate the South American nation’s third World Cup victory – and first since 1986.
However, it has not all been fun and games, with the party descending into chaos and tragically leaving one fan dead and a young boy in a coma. More

LIONEL MESSI was given a hero’s welcome as he returned to his boyhood town following his nation’s World Cup win.The 35-year-old fired Argentina to glory in Qatar and finally managed to get his hands on the one trophy to elude him in his illustrious career.
Lionel Messi went back to his home town of RosarioCredit: TWITTER@TomasDvoretzky
Messi was driven through the crowds by wife Antonela RoccuzzoCredit: TWITTER@TomasDvoretzky
Messi was greeted by hundreds of fans on his doorstepCredit: TWITTER@TomasDvoretzky
The crazy scenes cap another day of celebrations in ArgentinaCredit: TWITTER@TomasDvoretzky
Lionel Messi scored seven goals in this year’s World CupCredit: Reuters
Following the dramatic final victory over France, the Argentina squad flew back to Buenos Aires to celebrate.
While in his homeland, Messi decided to visit his home in nearby city Rosario.
The World Cup hero arrived in a car driven by his wife Antonela Roccuzzo.
Hundreds of fans surrounded the car, with many flocking to his doorstep trying to get a glimpse – and a photo – of the legend as he pulled into his garage.
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Security walked alongside the vehicle preventing any fans blocking his entrance.
Messi could be seen in the passenger seat of the Audi, smiling at the supporters chanting “champion” at him.
The wild scenes continue in Argentina after their World Cup success.
Yesterday, Messi and Co went on a bus parade around the capital city.
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Thousands gathered around the Obelisk monument in Buenos Aires lining the bus route hoping to see the nation’s new legends.
Fans were seen climbing onto street lights, bridges, cars and tall buildings hoping to get a better view of the mass party.
The players’ time on the open-top bus was cut short due to there being too many people on the streets for them to drive through.
They were then taken by helicopter above the city as it circled low so all could see.
And they could do it all again in 2026 with Messi NOT planning to retire from international duty after all. More

KYLIAN MBAPPE performed a rousing half-time team talk that helped inspire France’s remarkable fight back against Argentina on Sunday.Les Bleus went into the break 2-0 down after a meek first half showing in the World Cup final.
Kylian Mbappe delivers a rousing speech to his team-mates
Boss Didier Deschamps stepped aside as Mbappe proved his leadership nous
They had gone into the match with health concerns after a virus swept through their camp last week.
But they refused to give up, with Mbappe’s personality and force of will enabling him to put the team on his shoulders.
Despite being just 23, the forward has taken on a leadership role in the dressing room.
At half-time, a camera picked up Mbappe giving an off-the-cuff speech to try to inspire one last huge effort from his team-mates.
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Speaking in French in footage that emerged after the match, he said: “We can’t do worse than what we did.
“We go back on the field, either we let them play or we go in.. put some intensity in the duel and do something else guys.
“It’s a World Cup final. It’s done. They scored two goals, we are down two goals.
“We can come back. Guys it’s every four years!”
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Mbappe, 23, produced a sensational World Cup final performanceCredit: Rex
During the speech, Raphael Varane looked weary but determined – ready to give his all.
One fan joked on social media: “Varane looking like he’s getting a pat down for round 6 vs Tyson Fury.”

Boss Didier Deschamps had already made a double substitution on 41 minutes, hooking Ousmane Dembele and Olivier Giroud for Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani.
France still took a while to get into gear, but the introductions of Kingsley Coman and Eduardo Camavinga on 71 minutes helped them roar into life.
However, the French comeback was almost entirely down to Mbappe.
He coolly stepped up to convert from the penalty spot with ten minutes remaining, after Nicolas Otamendi had clumsily fouled Kolo Muani.
Then he finished a neat move with a stunning finish just a minute later.
He would go on to complete his hat-trick late in extra time AND convert his spot kick in the penalty shoot-out, only to still come out on the losing side.
Since the match, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has repeatedly mocked his beaten opponent.
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The Aston Villa stopper jokingly called for a minute’s silence for Mbappe in the dressing room immediately after the match.
And after arriving in Buenos Aires for the celebrations, he held a doll aloft with Mbappe’s face on it.
Raphael Varane looked determined as Mbappe gave his speech More