Messi dedicates his eighth Ballon d'Or to Argentina teammates, Maradona

IMAGE: Inter Miami's Lionel Messi with his sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro after winning the men's Ballon d'Or at Chatelet Theatre, Paris, France on Monday. Photograph: Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters......

Spain's soccer chief Luis Rubiales quits in kiss scandal

IMAGE: Although he stepped down as boss of the Spanish football federation, Luis Rubiales continued to defend his version of events. Photograph: Jaimi Joy/Reuters Spanish football federation chief......

PIX: Neymar goes past Pele as Brazil thrash Bolivia

Brazil thrash Bolivia 5-1 as Neymar surpasses Pele IMAGE: Neymar celebrates after scoring Brazil's fifth goal against Bolivia in the 2026 World Cup qualifier match in Belem, Brazil, on Friday.......

Messi in contention for Ballon d'Or; no Ronaldo in nominees

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the award five times, did not receive a nomination for the first time in 20 years.   IMAGE: Seven-times Ballon d'Or wonner Lionel Messi led Argentina......

Human error! Instead of WC winning skipper, Spain honours...

IMAGE: Instead of honouring World Cup winning skipper, the Spanish government honoured Argentinian football Mauro Icardi’s sister. Photograph: Juan Medina/Reuters The Spanish......