The Argentina superstar admits 'difficult days' off the pitch ahead of the World Cup opener

Lionel Messis father Jorge is receiving treatment for a health issue, the Messi family has confirmed.Messi was in tears following his first goal in Argentinas 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening World Cup match, in which he scored a hat-trick. The goals drew him level with Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time World Cup goalscoring list.Asked why he was emotional, Messi said after the game: Honestly, completely unrelated to the sport, I went through some difficult, complicated days. Im grateful to the entire delegation, to my teammates. They were always there for me, as always. They gave me a lot of strength to get through this, and thats all.On Thursday the Messi family released a statement confirming reports that his father Jorge was undergoing a health issue.At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably within the condition he is experiencing, the statement read.Jorge Messi has been integral to his sons glittering career, acting as agent and business manager. Jorge was formerly a supervisor at a metal factory in their family hometown, Rosario.Lionel Messi pictured with his father Jorge (EPA)The statement condemned media speculation in the wake of Argentinas opening game. The family wishes to express its deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity, respect, and discretion with which some people have treated what is strictly a private family matter.The family also wishes to clarify that only his closest relatives have real and accurate information regarding Jorges condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come directly from the family and its official channels should not be considered valid or truthful.At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A persons health and the peace of mind of those around them should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest.It added: We sincerely appreciate the expressions of affection, respect, and concern we have received, and we ask that Jorges privacy, confidentiality, and intimacyas well as that of his entire familybe respected throughout this process.Argentina take on Austria in their next game on Monday.

Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Quinn Priester will undergo season-ending surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome and is expected to be sidelined for eight to 10 months.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has secured a victory off the pitch at the World Cup after he complained about being blocked by photographers ahead of last night's 4-2 victory over Croatia.

The NHL said Thursday it completed a review of Mike Babcocks tenure in Columbus, cleared him to coach the Edmonton Oilers if they opt to hire him. The league launched an investigation at the request of the NHL Players Association in light of the Edmonton Oilers interest in hiring Babcock. The league in a statement said even in the least favorable light, there was no basis to restrict Babcocks employment.It was not immediately clear if or when the Oilers would name Babcock coach. They have been looking for a replacement since firing Kris Knoblauch following a first-round playoff exit that came after back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final.Babcock, 63, has not coached in the NHL since 2019, when he was fired by Toronto 23 games into his fifth season in charge. The Blue Jackets hired him on July 1, 2023, and Babcock resigned in September after his requests for personal photos from players in an attempt to get to know them drew criticism as an invasion of privacy.A statement from the NHLPA called the allegations very concerning and said, "Moving forward, we expect that Mr. Babcock will uphold the high standards required of NHL head coaches.The NHL dropped its planned investigation at the time because Babcock stepped down. It got underway this week after the final endedBabcock coached Detroit to the Stanley Cup in 2008 and has made two other trips to the final, along with guiding Canada to Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 14.___AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL

The NHL said Thursday it completed a review of Mike Babcocks tenure in Columbus, cleared him to coach the Edmonton Oilers if they opt to hire him. The league launched an investigation at the request of the NHL Players Association in light of the Edmonton Oilers interest in hiring Babcock. The league in a statement said even in the least favorable light, there was no basis to restrict Babcocks employment.It was not immediately clear if or when the Oilers would name Babcock coach. They have been looking for a replacement since firing Kris Knoblauch following a first-round playoff exit that came after back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final.Babcock, 63, has not coached in the NHL since 2019, when he was fired by Toronto 23 games into his fifth season in charge. The Blue Jackets hired him on July 1, 2023, and Babcock resigned in September after his requests for personal photos from players in an attempt to get to know them drew criticism as an invasion of privacy.A statement from the NHLPA called the allegations very concerning and said, "Moving forward, we expect that Mr. Babcock will uphold the high standards required of NHL head coaches.The NHL dropped its planned investigation at the time because Babcock stepped down. It got underway this week after the final endedBabcock coached Detroit to the Stanley Cup in 2008 and has made two other trips to the final, along with guiding Canada to Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 14.___AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL

Gary Lineker has admitted that he thinks Harry Kane is "the greatest English striker we've ever had" after England's captain equalled his record of 10 goals at World Cups.Kane scored twice in the Three Lions' 4-2 win over Croatia as England got off to a flying start.Lineker racked up 10 goals at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and the 1990 World Cup in Italy, while Kane is featuring in his third tournament."Welcome to the double-figures club. It's great. I mean, it may have taken him a World Cup more," Lineker joked on The Rest is Football podcast.TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SayHe continued: "In all seriousness, Harry Kane is, I think, the greatest English striker we've ever had. I genuinely think that now."His all-round game is, for me, what separates him from all the others."Kane now has 81 goals in 115 games for England, leading the list as the Three Lions' record goalscorer.His two goals last night came from set pieces, with his first from the spot after retaking a penalty following an encroachment into the penalty area by Croatia's Josko Gvardiol and goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic stepping off his line.LATEST SPORTS NEWSWorld Cup military row erupts as Son Heung-min and South Korea boycott media dutiesEngland fans ordered to remove St George's flags during World Cup victory over CroatiaThere are positives and negatives to take but England did their main job... winLineker continued: "I'm absolutely delighted that Kane equalled my record."His all-round game is, for me, what separates him from all the others."Lineker's co-host and former England captain Alan Shearer said: "Harry Kane has seen Messi, Mbappe and Haaland all come on straight away and get the goals."Addressing Lineker, Shearer added: "It's only a matter of time before he breaks your record."Kane was full of praise for his manager, Thomas Tuchel, yesterday, who motivated the Three Lions after a "complicated" first half.He said: "The manager gave a great speech to be honest. Especially after the way we conceded the second goal, just before half-time."He told us to let the shackles off, calm down, what are we scared of, let's just go. The way we conceded that second goal is not the way we want to be, dropping deep, waiting and conceding."He said: 'What's the worst that can happen? We lose a game, first group game, we get on with it and move on. Let's just go and how the world who we can be'.Kane continued: "I think we did exactly that in the second half."The performance, with and without the ball, was at the highest level. We could have scored three goals in that 20-minute spell (after half-time)."Physically, the guys that came on in the final 20 minutes kept the level really high and in the end we had too much for a really great team who will go far in the tournaments themselves."Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

Declan Rice is expected to be available for England's World Cup match against Ghana after suffering from lower back pain during the win over Croatia.

Radprofi Florian Lipowitz hat den hektischen zweiten Teil seiner Generalprobe fr die Tour de France heil berstanden.[mehr]

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