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      Karim Benzema retires from international duty aged 35 after missing out on France’s World Cup final run with injury

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      KARIM BENZEMA has announced his retirement from international football. The Real Madrid star made the cryptic reveal a day after France’s World Cup final loss to Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
      Karim Benzema has appeared to announce his retirement from international footballCredit: Getty
      Benzema, 35, tweeted: “I made the effort and the mistakes it took to be where I am today and I’m proud of it!
      “I have written my story and ours is ending.”
      Benzema was named in Didier Deschamps’ 26-man squad that looked to defend the World Cup in Qatar.
      But a thigh injury ruled him out, although Deschamps never replaced the forward.
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      It led to rumours that he was set to make a shock return to the French side in time for the final having returned to Real Madrid training.
      But Benzema appeared to brutally rule himself out as he posted on Instagram: “I don’t care.”
      The prolific goalscorer did wish his nation luck on the final, which they lost on penalties.
      Benzema’s future in the national side faced doubt after RMC Sport reported Benzema turned down president Emmanuel Macron’s invite to watch the game.
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      L’Equipe later added the player cut off all ties with the French squad after manager Deschamps refused to call him up.
      It is the latest saga in Benzema’s story with the national team.
      He first made his debut in 2007 and was a regular up until 2015.
      But Benzema was banned from playing for France for his alleged role in blackmailing team-mate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape scandal.
      He was in November 2021 guilty of complicity and sentenced to a one-year suspended jail term by a court in Versailles.
      Benzema was also fined 75,000 euros (£63,000) but planned to appeal the verdict.
      In the same year, the LaLiga legend was named in France’s 26-man squad for the delayed European Championships.
      And it paved the way for Benzema to return to the France team last June in a 3-0 win over Wales – later scoring four goals at the Euros.
      The attacker played in subsequent Nations League and World Cup qualification matches.
      But in November he was officially ruled out of the winter World Cup through injury.
      Read More on The Sun

      In the tournament, Olivier Giroud surpassed Thierry Henry as France’s all-time top scorer with 53 goals.
      Benzema meanwhile has returned to Real Madrid training ahead of the LaLiga restart and retires from France with 37 goals in 97 matches.
      Karim Benzema reties with 37 France goalsCredit: Getty
      Karim Benzema ruled himself out of a World Cup return More

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      Rodrigo De Paul launches X-rated rant during Argentina’s dressing-room celebrations after winning World Cup

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      ARGENTINA star Rodrigo De Paul hit back at his critics with an X-rated rant after winning the World Cup.The midfielder took advantage of the dressing room celebrations to respond to criticism he had received during the tournament in Qatar.
      Rodrigo De Paul hit back at his critics with an x-rated rantCredit: https://twitter.com/todonoticias/status/1604589647606210560
      The midfielder has been criticised for losing the ball and misplacing passes in the tournamentCredit: Alamy
      He had been slammed for misplaced passes and losing the ball early in the tournament.
      Clearly upset, the Atletico Madrid player took aim at his critics as he ranted on a live video from Nicolas Otamendi’s Instagram.
      He said: “For eternity… And all those who doubted, suck my d*** well.
      “They threw me from all sides and did not turn me over.
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      “Eat my whole d***! W*****!” 
      Former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Sebastien Veron had already come to his defence.
      The Argentine said: “I already saw this, you kept trying, the idiots are going to keep looking to fall on you and blame yourself for a result.
      “Don’t loosen up because you have a lot of football to give”.
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      It was one example of the Argentina squad blowing off steam after the dramatic final.
      Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez trolled Kylian Mbappe by getting the squad to hold a moments silence for him during a conga line.
      The stopper and his team-mates sang in Spanish: “A minute of silence.”
      Martinez shushed his pals before continuing: “For Mbappe who is dead!”
      While former Argentina forward Sergio Aguero called France midfielder Eduard Camavinga a “dickface” during a live stream to his 500,000 followers.
      It is unclear why ex-Barcelona forward Aguero singled out the 20-year-old Real Madrid midfielder in his stream. More

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      How Argentina could line up in 2026 World Cup with XI predicted including Man Utd’s Alejandro Garnacho & no Lionel Messi

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      ARGENTINA will defend their World Cup crown in 2026 with a bold new look.That’s because the South American giants will be without talisman Lionel Messi.
      Argentina will not have Lionel Messi around to defend their World Cup in 2026Credit: Getty
      The Paris Saint-Germain star bid farewell to World Cup football with two goals in yesterday’s victorious final over France.
      And the time has come for new aces to step up for their country.
      Other veterans including Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi are unlikely to be around either.
      Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman looks at how Argentina could potentially line up in Canada, Mexico and the USA…
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      GK – EMILIANO MARTINEZ (ASTON VILLA), CURRENT AGE – 30
      Goalies tend to stick around a little longer than outfield players and Martinez has proven to be one of the best around.
      His mentality and commitment to Argentina’s cause could even put him in with a shout of becoming the new captain.
      But Martinez may have to curb his enthusiasm for the unsavoury side of the game too.
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      How Argentina could look at the 2026 World Cup
      RB – NAHUEL MOLINA (ATLETICO MADRID), 24
      A constant threat down Argentina’s right flank and adapted well to several different formations.
      Molina’s best years are still to come after an impressive debut tournament.
      CB – CRISTIAN ROMERO (TOTTENHAM), 24
      A rock at the back for club and country in every single game.
      There’s a reason why both Antonio Conte and Lionel Scaloni love the no-nonsense defender.
      CB – LISANDRO MARTINEZ (MAN UTD), 24
      What he lacks in height, he more than makes up for in passion and teamwork.
      Many were surprised to see Martinez ousted for Otamendi in Qatar, but he is sure to now take over from the veteran.
      LB – FRANCO CARBONI (INTER MILAN), 19
      Rejected Liverpool and Juventus to join Inter last season and is still just 19 years old.
      On loan at Cagliari, Carboni has been tipped by many as the new Javier Zanetti and has already earned a senior call-up.
      Emi Buendia is ready to win back his place in Argentina’s squadCredit: Getty
      RM – EMILIANO BUENDIA (ASTON VILLA), 25
      Dip in form saw versatile wide-man narrowly miss out on place in 2022 World Cup squad.
      But Buendia is a fighter and will undoubtedly work his way back into Scaloni’s plans again.
      CM – ENZO FERNANDEZ (BENFICA), 21
      The deserved winner of the tournament’s Best Young Player award.
      Fernandez is sure to get a big-money move in the next year or two, which should make him even more formidable by 2026.
      CM – ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER (BRIGHTON), 23
      Kept his head down as Seagulls pals took all the credit and is now a world champion with the best of them.
      Mac Allister keeps getting better with each season and versatility makes him a sure thing at the next World Cup.
      Alejandro Garnacho is ready to make a splash for ArgentinaCredit: AP
      LM – ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (MAN UTD), 18
      Youngster was upset by World Cup snub, and angrier still when he was not chosen as an injury replacement.
      But Garnacho is maturing well at Old Trafford and has shown he has the skill to replace Messi as Argentina’s main playmaker.
      ST – LAUTARO MARTINEZ (INTER MILAN), 25
      Seems nervy on the big stage but more minutes up top will help him adjust to role.
      Has done the business for his club and there’s no reason to suggest he can’t do it for his country.
      ST – JULIAN ALVAREZ (MAN CITY), 22
      Stunning year for the young striker has seen him become a favourite for Argentina.
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      Pep Guardiola loves Alvarez and knows what it takes to turn players into superstars.
      Just ask the departing Messi. More

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      BBC beat ITV in World Cup ratings war as almost 20MILLION UK viewers tune in to watch final

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      BBC thrashed ITV with their World Cup final ratings as 20MILLION Brits tuned in across both channels to watch Argentina beat France.Viewers were treated to one of the all-time great spectacles as Lionel Messi inspired his country to a penalty shootout victory after a remarkable 120-minute match ended 3-3.
      Most UK viewers chose to watch BBC’s coverage of Argentina’s win over FranceCredit: Getty
      ITV only managed to attract an audience of around four million for the finalCredit: Rex
      Both BBC and ITV broadcasted the final simultaneously, but it was very one-sided with regards to the share of the audience.
      BBC managed to attract 14.9m people for their coverage spearheaded by former England striker turned presenter Gary Lineker.
      Meanwhile, ITV, boasting pundits such as Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ian Wright, could only muster a viewership of 4.3m.
      But the overall total number of people tuning in was significantly up on the 2018 final between France and Croatia.
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      Just 11.4m Brits watched Didier Deschamps’ men lift the trophy in Russia, compared with 19.2m this time around.
      The figures for 2022’s final do not yet account for those who streamed it on services such as iPlayer and ITVX.
      It also does not include those watching in pubs.
      A number of factors can explain this huge rise in ratings – most notably the blockbuster duel between Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
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      It’s safe to say the pair delivered as they registered five goals between them to captivate football fans around the world.
      Then there is also the fact that the tournament was played in winter, so the general public are more likely to be indoors compared with the summertime.
      Speaking after the ratings were announced, Barbara Slater, the director of BBC Sport, said: “One of the greatest World Cup Finals of all time, Argentina and Messi’s victory last night closed off a thrilling four weeks of football.
      “A first ever winter World Cup was a new experience for fans and the BBC has once again demonstrated the value of sport when made freely available to all, breaking new streaming records and providing the highest quality coverage, analysis and entertainment across TV, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Online and BBC Sounds.”
      The most watched BBC match of the 2022 World Cup was Wales vs England – which peaked at an audience of 17.6 million – followed by the final, Holland vs Argentina, France vs Morocco and Spain vs Germany. More

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      ‘THAT’S when you dance’ – Man Utd legend Roy Keane takes final dig at Brazil after Argentina’s World Cup win

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      ROY KEANE aimed one final dig at Brazil following Argentina’s World Cup final victory over France.The ITV pundit was left fuming earlier in the tournament when Brazil’s stars danced after all four goals in their 4-1 win over South Korea.
      Roy Keane took a final dig at Brazil as he praised ArgentinaCredit: Twitter / @itvfootball
      Keane was not fussed at all by Argentina’s wild celebrationsCredit: Getty
      The ITV pundit originally slammed Brazil for their dancing during the last-16Credit: AP
      Neymar and Co were then knocked out in the quarter-finals by Croatia.
      Argentina meanwhile won the tournament with a penalty shootout win over France after an incredible final finished 3-3.
      The players celebrated wildly on the pitch, before continuing the celebrations in the dressing room.
      Manchester United icon Keane didn’t mind this time, pointing out “that’s when you dance” in a cheeky dig at Brazil.
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      He said on ITV after the final: “Look what brilliant scenes, it is just brilliant, dance all you want.
      “They’ll be dancing at the hotel tonight, good luck to them, they’ll be dancing for the next 10 years.
      “That’s when you dance, when you win it.”
      Argentina captain Lionel Messi danced with a $10million cheque in the dressing room after the game, while another person celebrated by diving head first into a wheelie bin.
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      Keane had originally slammed Brazil for “disrespecting” their opponents by dancing during the last-16.
      He famously blasted at the time: “It’s like watching Strictly. I can’t believe what I’m watching.
      “I don’t like this. I think it’s disrespecting the opposition. It’s four [goals] and they’re doing it every time.
      “I don’t mind the first kind of little jig – whatever they’re doing – but they’re still doing it after that and then the manager getting involved with it.
      “I’m not happy with it, I don’t think it’s very good at all.”
      Keane was criticised by members of the Brazil camp for his words, before the five-time champions and pre-tournament favourites crashed out of the tournament in the last-eight.
      And the 51-year-old, who showed off a new look ahead of the final, ended up having the last laugh. More

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      France boss Didier Deschamps explains why he hauled Giroud and Dembele off before half-time of World Cup final

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      DIDIER DESCHAMPS has revealed why he controversially made a double substitution before halftime in the World Cup final.The France manager hooked both Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembele after seeing his side go two goals down to Argentina.
      Dider Deschamps hooked Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembele in the World Cup finalCredit: Getty
      The French stars were replaced before half timeCredit: EPA
      Lionel Messi scored the first goal from the spot after Dembele fouled Angel Di Maria in the box before the Juventus star then doubled the lead after a quick counterattack.
      The double change came in the 41st minute, just five minutes after Di Maria’s goal.
      Giroud and Dembele were replaced by Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani.
      Giroud was visibly frustrated by the substitution as he was seen throwing a water bottle once he had got to the bench.
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      Deschamps has explained the decision to make the change as he argued that his side was not good enough.
      He said: “If we had been 3-0 down, we couldn’t have complained.
      “We didn’t do the right things for an hour, but then with a lot of courage, energy and quality, we pushed Argentina to the limit.
      “If I made those changes so early, it’s because I was not satisfied and I felt convinced we could do better.
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      “That doesn’t mean the players who went off were more guilty than the others.”
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      He is right to believe that the changes worked as France did manage to force extra time as Kylian Mbappe scored two goals in as many second-half minutes to level the scores.
      Kolo Muani almost paid back the faith from his manager in the 123rd minute of the game, only to see his goalbound effort brilliantly stopped by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
      However, in the end, it was not enough to win the final, as Argentina took home the trophy after coming out on top after a penalty shootout. More

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      Lionel Messi achieved his World Cup dream but he did not do it alone – this was the best Argentina team he’s played in

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      LIONEL MESSI finally got his hands on football’s greatest prize as he led Argentina to World Cup final glory against France.It is obvious and understandable that all the headlines are about him and all the spotlights are on him. 
      Lionel Messi won the Golden Ball as best player at the World CupCredit: Getty
      Messi was backed up by his team-mates as Argentina won their first World Cup since 1986Credit: Getty
      He is a breathtaking talent, and even France fans will find it hard to feel bitter about Messi’s dream coming true.
      But he did not do it alone. 
      Football is a collective sport and this always looked like the best, most functioning team that Messi has ever been part of in an Argentina shirt.
      The man of the match for the first hour was his long time team-mate Angel Di Maria.
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      When Messi and Argentina won the gold medal in the 2008 Olympics it was Di Maria who scored the only goal of the final. 
      When Messi and Argentina won last year’s Copa America – a vital stepping stone on the way to this triumph – once more it was Di Maria who scored the only goal of the final. 
      And it was Di Maria who did much to befuddle the French defence. 
      This time he was used wide on the left. 
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      He often operates on the other flank, sometimes as a wide midfielder in a 4-4-2 rather than as a winger. 
      He can even play in the midfield trio. 
      Whatever the team needs, he does. 
      It is hard to think of another world class player with such little ego.
      Julian Alvarez was brought into the side when it became clear that Messi would be a more sporadic figure than Argentina had planned. 
      They needed the extra mobility of the Manchester City man, a striker with the soul of a midfielder. 
      And his partnership with midfielder Enzo Fernandez, his old colleague from River Plate was vital to the campaign – and a pointer to a post-Messi future.
      Rodrigo De Paul provided midfield thrust, Alexis Mac Allister was full of subtlety and the centre back combination of Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi creaked occasionally but came through the competition better than anyone could have expected. 
      And behind them Emiliano Martinez proved to be the best goalkeeper that Argentina has produced in decades. 
      Over the course of the competition he did not have a great deal to do, but came up with vital saves in both open play – the one from Randal Kolo Muani at the end of extra time averted disaster – and in the penalty shoot outs.
      This was a team effort. 
      As a collective they had to dig deep when they could have been shattered by having victory snatched from them – in the last minutes of normal time against both Holland and France. 
      On both occasions they bounced back well in extra time, snatching back a momentum that seemed to have been stolen by the opposition. 
      For this to happen, everyone had to be on board. 
      A few moments of genius from Messi would not have been enough to guarantee the title.
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      It is fitting, then, that the last kick, the decisive penalty that confirmed Argentina as champions of the world, came from the boot of Gonzalo Montiel, the reserve right back and one of the least glamorous players on the field. 
      It might have been Messi’s World Cup, but he could not do it alone, and there was a kind of poetry in the identity of the last Argentine to take a penalty.
      Gonzalo Montiel scored the winning penalty in the shootoutCredit: Getty More

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      How much World Cup prize money every team won from champions Argentina to England and Wales and Germany for early exits

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      ARGENTINA will receive £34.5MILLION for lifting the World Cup in Qatar.Lionel Messi inspired his country to a third title on Sunday night as they beat France on penalties after an iconic 3-3 draw over 120 minutes.
      Argentina won the World Cup in remarkable fashion on Sunday nightCredit: Getty
      The triumph means they will now help themselves to a HUGE prize pot of nearly £35m.
      That is an increase of more than £3m from four years ago when France claimed the trophy in Russia.
      And Les Bleus’ dramatic defeat this time around means they are set to receive £10m less than Argentina.
      There is much more of a disparity when it comes to the financial reward between first and second compared with second and third.
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      France’s £24m is only a touch more than third-place Croatia’s £22m and fourth-place Morocco’s £21m.
      But the prize pot then drops significantly once more for those who were beaten quarter-finalists.
      Portugal, England, Brazil and Holland will all earn themselves £14m for their last-eight exit.
      It then falls a further £3m for the eight teams knocked out in the last-16.
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      In Qatar, that was Switzerland, Spain, Poland, Senegal, South Korea, Japan, Australia and USA.
      Lastly, those who made the finals but failed to get beyond the group stage will pocket £7m.
      Among those 16 nations are four-time winners Germany, two-time winners Uruguay, 2018 semi-finalists Belgium, hosts Qatar, and Wales.
      The other countries include Ghana, Serbia, Cameroon, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Iran and Ecuador. More