Messi shortlisted for FIFA Best Men's Player award

IMAGE: Lionel Messi led Argentina to the FIFA World Cup title in Qatar on December 18, 2022. Photograph: Andrew Boyers/Reuters Argentina featured heavily in shortlists for FIFA's Best awards......

Football round-up: Rooney on target in 500th appearance

IMAGE: Wayne Rooney of Derby celebrates scoring the opening goal from a penalty during the Sky Bet Championship match against Fulham at Pride Park Stadium. Photograph: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images......

Soccer PIX: Record for teenager Haaland; Ibra fails to net

Images from football matches played in Europe on Friday IMAGE: Borussia Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland celebrates scoring their fifth goal against FC Cologne in their Bundesliga match at Signal......

FIFPro to back politically vocal players at Tokyo Games

The IOC said earlier this month that athletes were banned from making any political statements or protests at Olympic events or medal ceremonies "to avoid turning the Games into a political tool".......

Football Focus: Super Cup loss hurts, says Lionel Messi

IMAGE: FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez look dejected after their Super Cup match loss at King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah on Friday. Photograph: Waleed Ali/Reuters After falling short......