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      Lionel Messi says Diego Maradona ‘inspired Argentina from heaven’ in emotional post after World Cup win

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      LIONEL MESSI has said that Diego Maradona inspired the Argentina team from heaven in an emotional World Cup post on his Instagram page.Messi helped his nation end a 36-year wait to win the tournament and he took to social media posting a clip of him playing football as a kid and the best moments from Qatar.
      Lionel Messi lifted the trophy in 2022, just as Diego Maradona did in 1986Credit: AFP
      Messi captioned the video, firstly talking about his own career that started 30 years ago, when he was just five-years-old, at local club Grandoli.
      The he went on to praise the Argentina team and icon Maradona, who won the World Cup in 1986 in Mexico.
      Messi said: “From Grandoli to the World Cup in Qatar, almost 30 years passed.
      “It is close to three decades in which football gave me many joys and also some sadness.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      “I always had the dream of being a world champion and I didn’t want to stop trying, even knowing that it might never happen.
      “This Cup that we won is also for all those who did not achieve it in the previous World Cups that we played, like in 2014 in Brazil,
      “Where everyone deserved it because of how they fought until the very end, how they worked hard and wanted it as much as I did… And we deserved it in the end.
      “It is also for Diego [Maradona] who encouraged us from heaven.
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      “And for all those who always help the national team without looking at the result, but rather the desire that we always put into it, even when things do not go as we want.
      “From the coaching staff to all the people from the national team, some of whom are anonymous working day and night to make it easier for us.
      “Many times failure is part of the journey and learning. And without disappointment it is impossible for success to come.
      “Thank you very much from the heart! Let’s go Argentina!!!”
      Messi fired La Albiceleste to glory with his seven goals in seven games, including two in the final.
      Messi also won the player of the tournament award and lifted the World Cup trophy while being held above the rest of the squad – both in similar style to his idol Maradona in ’86.
      There have been claims that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will retire from international football.
      However, it appears he has his eyes on defending his crown in 2026.
      Lionel Messi is now widely regarded as the greatest everCredit: Alamy
      Messi referenced his first club, Grandoli, in his emotional uploadCredit: Getty More

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      Lionel Messi ‘WILL captain Argentina at next World Cup’ as 1986 winner claims star told him privately of retirement plan

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      LIONEL MESSI is NOT retiring from international football and he will play at the next World Cup, claims former Argentina star Jorge Valdano.There has been much speculation about the 35-year-old’s future after he won the World Cup in dramatic fashion versus France.
      Lionel Messi is not ending his international career yetCredit: Getty
      Jorge Valdano claims Lionel Messi is hoping to play in 2026Credit: Getty – Contributor
      There was talk before the final that it was going to be Messi’s final match in the famous blue and white kit, however, he looks to have reversed that decision.
      Valdano, who won the World Cup alongside Diego Maradona in 1986 for Argentina, says he has spoken to Messi and he will captain the side at the next tournament.
      Valdano told Cadena Cope: “When I interviewed him before the World Cup, off camera he told me that he was going to play in his fifth World Cup and that no footballer had played six.
      “He told me that it was impossible, and he told me ‘if I’m a world champion I’ll keep my shirt on until the next World Cup.’
      READ MORE ON MESSI
      “We will see if Messi is capable. Football has shown that it is practically impossible to play in six World Cups.”
      If Messi is to defend his crown then he will have to continue playing at the highest level for another four years before making the trip to host nations Canada, USA and Mexico.
      Messi will celebrate his 39th birthday during the tournament.
      Prior to the competition in Qatar began, Messi said, via AS: “I love playing it [football] and I enjoy it, the only thing I’ve done all my life is play football.
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      “I don’t think I’m going to play much more. This will be my last World Cup — for sure. The decision has been made.”
      But Messi shot down his own comments hinting at coming back for more after finally getting his hands on the famous trophy.
      He told TyC Sports after the final: “I am not retiring from the Argentina national team.
      “I want to continue playing as a champion.
      “We suffer, but we already have it [the World Cup].
       “I wanted to close my career with this, I can no longer ask for anything else, thank God, he gave me everything.”
      Before Lionel Scaloni’s men go to retain the World Cup in 2026, they have the Copa America to defend in 2024. More

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      Crying woman who Lionel Messi emotionally hugged after World Cup final revealed to be much-loved Argentina cook

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      LIONEL MESSI was seen embracing a crying woman in emotional scenes after Argentina’s World Cup triumph.The mystery hugger has been revealed as much-loved Argentina chef, Antonia Farias, according to Argentinian reports.
      Lionel Messi was pictured hugging a crying woman after the World Cup finalCredit: beIN Sports
      The woman has been revealed as Antonia Farias, a chef for the national teamCredit: beIN Sports
      Antonia is a much-loved member of the teamCredit: https://twitter.com/Argentina
      She is reported to travel with the squad whenever they are in actionCredit: https://twitter.com/Argentina
      Argentinian newspaper Clarin say Messi, 35, was celebrating with Antonia, a long-time employee of the national team.
      Footage emerged of him tightly hugging the emotional Antonia following Sunday’s penalty shootout win over France.
      She sported an Argentina shirt as she ran up to the Argentina captain on the pitch and wrapped her arms around his back.
      Messi’s face lit up as he recognised who it was in front of him.
      Read More On Messi
      The 42-year-old is said to have worked as a chef with Argentina for the last decade.
      She travels with the team on all of their trips abroad to cook for the players.
      Antonia was at the Copa America triumph last year, the Finalissima win over Italy at Wembley in the summer, and then in Qatar for the World Cup victory.
      And back at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Antonia was presented with a cake on her birthday at the same time as Messi.
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      Aside from her culinary skills, Antonia is reported to be well-loved by the team for her positive personality.
      So it was no surprise to see Messi look so pleased when Antonia wrapped him up in a hug – unlike his encounter with Salt Bae.
      The celebrity chef somehow made his way onto the pitch after the final at Lusail Stadium to pester Messi for a selfie.
      Messi was also joined by wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their sons Thiago, ten, Mateo, seven and Ciro, four, on the pitch.
      The family celebrated together and took it in turns to kiss the World Cup trophy.
      Messi was joined on the pitch by wife Antonela RoccuzzoCredit: Getty
      Antonela gazed lovingly at the trophyCredit: Getty More

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      This year has been most difficult of my life, says Georgina Rodriguez after death of her and Cristiano Ronaldo’s baby

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’s girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, has opened up on what has been “the most complicated” year of her life. In what was supposed to be the “happiest moment” of the year “became the saddest” after tragically losing her baby son.
      Georgina Rodriguez spoke to Elle MagazineCredit: Elle
      Georgina has revealed this year has been the “most complicated” of her lifeCredit: Elle
      Georgina told of her despair at losing her baby son earlier this yearCredit: Elle
      Ronaldo with girlfriend Georgina and Cristiano Jnr, Eva, Mateo, Alana and baby Bella
      Before Georgina fell pregnant, Ronaldo was already a dad of four, with three of his children born to two surrogate mothers
      Georgina with a family member in Qatar and one of her little onesCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      The tragedy brought the Ronaldo household closer togetherCredit: Alamy
      The 28-year-old model was expecting twins with Ronaldo, 37, in April but lost the baby boy during childbirth.
      Baby girl Bella Esmeralda lived, but fell ill three months after and had to be hospitalised, causing more stress to to the Ronaldo household.
      Appearing in the January issue of Elle Spain, she said: “This year has been the most complicated of my life, the happiest moment became both the saddest. 
      “It is something that will accompany me for life and that we will not be able to forget.”
      READ MORE ON CRISTIANO RONALDO
      The couple also share a daughter Alana, five, while Ronaldo also has a son Cristiano Jr, 12, and twins Eva and Mateo, five.
      Georgina’s family is her life and she’s determined to be as present as possible to watch her family grow.
      She said: “My children are the most important thing I have and every step I take is marked by them. 
      “I am an omnipresent mother in its evolution. Sometimes they call me heavy, but I don’t want to miss anything!”
      Most read in Football
      The Argentine also opened up on her relationship with football superstar Ronaldo.
      She says being with the 819 career-goal forward has allowed her to fulfil many of her dreams – but insists she had the same drive and hunger before the money and the fame.
      And despite Ronaldo’s woes on the pitch, both at Manchester United this season, and Portugal’s early World Cup exit, Georgina insists her man is the best in the world.
      She said: “Cristiano and I fell in love at first sight, when I saw him for the first time I felt that time stopped. 
      “I have never seen a man so handsome, so attentive… he is the most handsome man my eyes have ever seen. 
      “And yes, I am the girlfriend of the best soccer player in the world, but it is not necessary for people –and many of them women– to use it in a derogatory way. 
      “Clearly my relationship with him has allowed me to fulfil many of my dreams, but always, both before and after meeting him, I have put the same passion in everything I have done… Being a cleaner, salesperson or model.”
      The mother of two also says despite living in a different world to most, everyone can feel the same feeling of being “alone or sad”, and that she too knows “what it is to lose”.
      She concluded: “I know that I am like you, that when you come home you just want to take off your shoes and get comfortable. 
      “I know that reality is sometimes not kind. I know that your life may not be like mine, but what you don’t know is that my life is sometimes like yours. 
      “I know what it is to be alone or sad. I know what it is to win and I know what it is to lose. Also lose someone. I know that I am being questioned. 
      “I do it too, and I’m more demanding than you, more severe. 
      “But I also know how to forgive myself. I know that life is learning.”
      Boyfriend Ronaldo is currently without a club.
      United ripped up his contract following his explosive sit-down interview with SunSport columnist and TalkTV main man, Piers Morgan.
      Read More on The Sun
      Ronaldo accused the Old Trafford club of betrayal for doubting why he missed pre-season training when his baby daughter was in hospital. 
      He also declared he does not respect Erik ten Hag.
      Georgina with four of Ronaldo’s childrenCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      Georgina and her family decorating the Christmas treeCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
      Mateo entertaining sister Bella EsmereldaCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
      Ronaldo’s oldest, Cristiano Jr (right), is close with GeorginaCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
      The Ronaldo clan enjoy their luxury £5.5m Azimut Grande yacht bought in 2020 More

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      Inside Salt Bae’s Qatar restaurant with £520 steak as customers blast ‘worst fillet ever’ after chef pestered Messi

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      WORLD Cup legends and the boss of international football lapped up gold-encrusted steaks at Salt Bae’s restaurant in Qatar in recent weeks.But other diners were less than impressed at the pricey “overhyped” grub – with one reviewer slating it for the “worst fillet ever”.
      Nusret Gökçe has made a fortune selling Instagram-friendly gold steaksCredit: Instagram
      Brazil legend Ronaldo visited the Doha restaurant with a group of pals last monthCredit: Poder360
      Brazil ace Vinicius Jr laughs with delight as Gökçe carves up a steakCredit: Poder360
      The chef feeds a slice of beef to Ronaldo from the tip of his knife
      Instagram star Salt Bae – real name Nusret Gökçe – made a surprise appearance on the pitch after Sunday’s World Cup final in Doha.
      In embarrassing scenes, the fame hungry chef was filmed badgering Lionel Messi and snatching the gold trophy from irritated Argentina players.
      He has previously courted a friendship with Fifa boss Gianni Infantino – who gave him a massive hug when he visited the Nusra-Et steakhouse in Doha last month.
      He was filmed saying: “Football unites the world and Nusrat unites the world as well.”
      read more on salt bae
      Former Brazil striker Ronaldo and left back Roberto Carlos – world cup winners in 2002 – enjoyed a slap-up meal there on November 28.
      Current squad players Vinicius Jr, Gabriel Jesus, Éder Militão and Bremer also joined the party after they beat Switzerland.
      Vinicius was filmed laughing with delight as Gökçe laid a hunk of gold-plated beef on the table – then fed a slice to Ronaldo from the tip of his huge knife.
      In all, the group’s bill came to £6,550, according to reports.
      Most read in Football
      England’s Jack Grealish, Poland ace Robert Lewandowski and the Spanish team also visited during the tournament.
      Non-VIP diners expect to pay a fortune for the chance to brag on Instagram and perhaps get a selfie with Salt Bae.
      Those that don’t meet him can still get a pic in front of a giant mural of the chef in his famous “sprinkle” pose.
      The cheapest bottle of champagne in the Doha restaurant costs £430.
      The steaks cost from £75 up to £520 for the “golden Ottoman”, a bone-in ribeye coated with 24-carat gold leaf.
      Even a burger will set diners back £79.
      On Tripadvisor, Nusra-Et Doha has an average of four stars from 165 reviews.
      Some hailed it as “heaven for meat lovers” – but many of the recent reviews are stinkers.
      One diner who went last week said: “What a load of hyped up rubbish.
      “Just seems to be an overpriced PR stunt. Don’t bother.”
      A two-star review from September said: “Service was great along with atmosphere.
      “Ordered the Filet Mignon and should have ordered something else. Worse Filet ever. Temperature was good but it had no flavor…completely bland.”
      Other reviews complain of cold chips “reminiscent of industrially produced food” and supermarket condiments in plastic squeezy bottles “like at a roadside diner”.
      Another customer who went in March said: “The restaurant manager was rude and unhelpful when I raised my concern over the food being served cold.
      “Fries were completely cold and burger had been standing for a long time before served. Worst customer service in Doha.”
      Last month, Salt Bae sparked fury for boasting how a group racked up a bill for £140,584 at his diner in Abu Dhabi.
      A single steak from the evening was over £1,000, and the group spent almost £115,000 on wine alone.
      Read More on The Sun
      Salt Bae, a former butcher from Turkey, became famous for his crowd-pleasing gimmick of sprinkling salt down his elbow after slicing steak at the table.
      He now has 50million Instagram followers and an empire of 22 steakhouses around the world flogging gold wrapped beef at eye-watering prices.
      Fifa boss Gianni Infantino at Salt Bae’s restaurant in Doha last monthCredit: Saltbae Views
      Miss Greece 2021 Anastasia Terzi poses with Salt Bae in Doha last weekCredit: Instagram
      The Doha restaurant has four stars out of five on TripadvisorCredit: Trip Advisor
      Some diners slammed the ‘cold’ burgers and chips – costing £79Credit: Trip Advisor
      There is a posing wall for Instagram featuring a giant mural of the chefCredit: Instagram
      Salt Bae unexpectedly joined Argentina players celebrating winning the World Cup on SundayCredit: Twitter – @@JCUStreaks10
      He was filmed badgering Argentina captain Lionel Messi for a selfieCredit: Twitter More

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      Alan Shearer trolls Gary Lineker over his ‘Gianni Infantino trainers’ as BBC Sport host returns from World Cup

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      ALAN SHEARER has trolled fellow England great and BBC Sport host, Gary Lineker over his Gianni Infantino-inspired trainers.The pair were a part of the BBC’s month-long coverage of the Qatar World Cup.
      Lineker was pleased to see his dogCredit: Twitter@alanshearer
      However, Shearer asked whether his pal had borrowed Infantino’s shoesCredit: Twitter@alanshearer
      The Fifa chief for Adidas trainers for the third-place playoff and the finalCredit: Rex
      Infantino wore Adidas Stan Smith’sCredit: Getty
      The trainers had the word FIFA emblazoned on the sideCredit: Reuters
      And after Sunday’s final, which saw Argentina beat 2018 winners France 4-2 on penalties, the England legends returned home.
      Lineker, 62, was pleased to see his dog.
      However, ex-Newcastle and Blackburn ace Shearer was more focused on Lineker’s trainers.
      Lineker wore a white pair of trainers, alongside a smart pair of trousers and a jacket.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      It was a similar look to Fifa president, Infantino, who donned Adidas Stan Smith shoes for Croatia and Morocco’s third place World Cup fixture and the final.
      Shearer quipped: “Did you borrow those trainers from Infantino!!”
      Lineker responded with laughing emojis.
      Fans shared Shearer’s assessment of Lineker’s outfit, with some claiming the BBC presenter borrowed Infantino’s WHOLE outfit.
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      Mocking Infantino’s bizarre pre-tournament “I feel” speech, a fan said on Lineker: “Today, he feels like Infantino.”
      Another joked: “Infantino borrowed them from him.” More

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      Who is the topless Argentina fan Noe?

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      ARGENTINA beat France on penalties to win the 2022 FIFA World cup and lift the trophy for the third time in their history.What caught many people’s attention during the final was a fan celebrating topless. But who was this person and what do we know about her?
      Noe came to the world’s attention with her nudity during the 2022 World cup final
      Who is the topless Argentina fan Noe?
      Noe was spotted with her shirt off during Argentina’s dramatic penalty shootout win over France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar.
      She was spotted next to her unnamed friend, who was also topless, but their nudity was not spotted by commentator Guy Mowbray or Gary Lineker during the BBC’s coverage.
      The move to go topless breaks strict Qatari dress code laws for men and women.
      These include having to cover their shoulders and knees in order not to offend the laws.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      There is also strict laws against nudity, which Noe and her friend broke on TV in front of a worldwide audience.
      It was reiterated at the start of the tournament that people who expose themselves in Qatar during the tournament could be at risk of heavy fines or even a prison sentence.
      Noe and her friend were escorted out of the stadium by Qatari officials, but were not arrested, and her social media posts after the incident appear to confirm her safety.
      The pair celebrated with fans after the final with their breasts out, and were pictured outside the stadium with fellow Argentine supporters.
      Most read in Sport
      Does Noe have Instagram and TikTok?
      Noe has an Instagram account called @noe.dreams1.
      On this account, she has shared videos of herself following Argentina at the World Cup, and shared videos of her celebrations during the final.
      She also shared news reports of her topless antics on her Instagram story.
      In one of her posts, there is a video of two men painting the Argentinian national flag on to her nipples.
      The men were part of a face painting company who were active in Qatar during the tournament.
      Her bio on the account says La chica del topless, which translates as the topless girl.
      There isn’t a lot of information about her career, but her Instagram bio suggests she represents an Argentinian clothing brand called Destino pink. More

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      Inside the glam life of Kylian Mbappe’s rumoured girlfriend Rose Bertram, the mum of two model who dated Dutch star

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      WHILE Kylian Mbappe was gearing up for the World Cup final, his rumoured girlfriend was showing fancy footwork of her own.Stunning model Rose Bertram, 28, appeared at a fashion show in Qatar on the eve of the biggest game in world football – giving her one million followers on Instagram a glimpse into her glam life.
      Rose Bertram is the rumoured girlfriend of France ace Kylian MbappeCredit: rose_bertram/instagram
      On the eve of the World Cup final, Bertram was spotted modelling in QatarCredit: rose_bertram/instagram
      Model Bertram shows off her stunning figure
      Sharing photos wearing a red and white football shirt-inspired ensemble, there was no Mbappe.
      Just a mention of the organisers and a thank you.
      She captioned the snaps: “What a beautiful night walking for Qatar Fashion United! Big thank you to Carine Roitfeld, CR Runway and Vladimir Roitfeld.”
      In recent months, reports in his homeland have claimed Mbappe is smitten by the Belgium beauty.
      read more mbappe news
      Their paths crossed on one of their fashion jaunts in Paris, although either is yet to confirm a romance.
      But Bertram is known to the football world…
      Her ex played
      Just five months ago, Bertram opened up about her painful split with Gregory van der Wiel, once of Ajax and capped 46 times by the Netherlands.
      The two got together when she was just 19, and had a whirlwind romance – where she followed his career from Paris to Istanbul to Sardinia and Toronto.
      Most read in Football
      They would welcome two children in their time together.
      But cracks began to form in their relationship as van der Wiel suffered some mental health problems such as anxiety and panic attacks, which began to affect the couple.
      Earlier this year, Rose said: “There are a lot of people who deal with this.
      “It’s not talked about enough and in my case if you don’t know enough about it, it’s very difficult to understand that person.
       “It hasn’t always been easy to deal with. It breaks my heart that he feels this way and that I can’t help it.”
      After eight years together, they sadly parted ways.
      She says she still has a good relationship with Gregory .
      Rose said: “He is the father of my children and I would be very sorry if we broke up in a bad way.”
      Five months ago Bertram explained her painful split with a former footballerCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Bertram split with Gregory van der Wiel after eight years
      Bertram’s relationship with van der Wiel suffered as he struggled with his mental healthCredit: rose_bertram/instagram
      As a footballer’s Wag, Bertram was well travelled before her mid-20s and had lived in several countriesCredit: rose_bertram/instagram
      A career to fall back on
      However, despite van der Wiel’s problems off the field – Bertram’s career went from strength-to-strength.
      At 13, it was her mother who managed to sign her on to a modelling agency.
      By 16, she was cast by the Dominique agency at 16 and appeared in a photoshoot by famed German photographer Juergen Teller.
      Through the years, Bertram has starred in ad campaigns for H&M, L’Oréal, Hunkemöller, Primark and Agent Provocateur.
      Keen-eyed Netflix viewers will have noticed she was one of the models used to promote the doomed music event Fyre Festival.
      Bertram, right, was one of several stunning models who promoted the Fyre Festival, as documented in the new film on NetflixCredit: Netflix
      Bertram, right, appears with some of the world’s top supermodels in promo shots for the Fyre Festival in 2017Credit: Instagram @rose_bertram
      Bertram has become synonymous with the fashion world and a celebrity in her own rightCredit: Getty
      Earlier this month, Bertram attended The Fashion Awards in LondonCredit: Getty
      Bertram first signed for a model agency aged just 13Credit: rose_bertram/instagram
      In 2015, Bertram was photographed exclusively by US rapper Tyler, the Creator for pop-culture magazine Oyster.
      The same year, she became the first Belgian model to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swim Issue.
      Keeping it private
      Mbappe has always kept his personal life private and remained tight-lipped about his girlfriends.
      For years, it was suggested he dated former Miss France Alicia Aylies.
      But now it appears that mother-of-two Bertram has charmed the PSG forward.
      She admitted she’s ready to move on from van der Wiel.
      Read More on The Sun
      In recent months, Bertram has admitted she’s single and ready for a romanceCredit: Refer to Caption
      Mbappe and Bertram have remained tight-lipped about a romance between them
      “I am currently single and ready to meet someone new,” she said just a few months ago.
      That someone might just be the best thing in football right now. More