East Rutherford (United States) (AFP) – Lionel Messi sensationally announced his retirement from international football after Argentina crashed to an upset defeat against Chile in the final of the Copa America. The heartbroken Barcelona superstar was distraught after missing a spot-kick on Sunday as Chile snatched victory in a penalty shoot-out — Messi's fourth straight […]

East Rutherford (United States) (AFP) – Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has warned more Argentina players could follow Lionel Messi into international retirement after the Barcelona superstar's shock exit. Messi called time on his Argentina career after missing a penalty in a shootout defeat to Chile in Sunday's Copa America final. "It's likely that Messi […]

East Rutherford (United States) (AFP) – Lionel Messi's retirement from international football may have come as a shock to his many admirers but in hindsight there were plenty of clues that the Argentina superstar might call time on his career with the "Albiceleste" sooner rather than later. The 29-year-old five-time FIFA world footballer of the […]

East Rutherford (United States) (AFP) – Holders Chile stunned Argentina to win the Copa America Centenario in a penalty shoot-out as Lionel Messi's title curse struck again. Messi on Sunday blazed a penalty over the bar in the shoot-out before Lucas Biglia missed to leave Chile's Francisco Silva with the task of stroking home the […]

Toulouse (France) (AFP) – Eden Hazard could eclipse his "difficult" season with Chelsea by taking Euro 2016 by storm, according to Axel Witsel. Hazard struggled to make his mark for Belgium as they finished runner-up place in Group E behind Italy. But in a man-of-the-match performance against Hungary in Toulouse on Sunday, Hazard, captain for […]

Lyon (AFP) – Didier Deschamps says 'crazy' France must strike a balance for the Euro 2016 quarter-finals after a half-time bust up inspired their 2-1 comeback win over Ireland. There were heated words in the French dressing-room in Lyon at half-time after an early Robbie Brady penalty put the Irish 1-0 up at the break. […]

Lille (France) (AFP) – Germany coach Joachim Loew appears to have found the right formula to get his attack firing at Euro 2016 after Julian Draxler's outstanding contribution in Sunday's 3-0 win over Slovakia. The 22-year-old Wolfsburg attacking midfielder was the man of the match as Germany produced arguably their slickest performances since winning the […]

Paris (AFP) – Two-time defending champions Spain meet Italy in a heavyweight last 16 clash at Euro 2016 on Monday, while Wayne Rooney's England take on outsiders Iceland for a place in the quarter-finals. Vicente del Bosque's Spain face a monumental challenge as they target a record third consecutive European Championship title, starting with a […]

East Rutherford (United States) (AFP) – Angel Di Maria was named in Argentina's starting line-up for the Copa America Centenario final against Chile here Sunday. Paris Saint Germain star Di Maria, who has not played since the 5-0 victory over Panama in the group stage, returns to join Gonzalo Higuain and Lionel Messi in a […]

Toulouse (France) (AFP) – Chelsea star Eden Hazard said Belgium are hoping to keep the Euro 2016 party going with a win over Wales in Lille on Friday but said their 4-0 rout of Hungary will be hard to beat. In an impressive man-of-the-match performance Hazard hit his maiden goal of the tournament as the […]

Paris (AFP) – Euro 2016's joint top scorer Alvaro Morata expects Spain to be taken to the limit by old foes Italy if they are to remain on course to win a third consecutive European Championship. Spain thrashed Italy 4-0 in the Euro 2012 final four years ago and also ousted the Azzurri on penalties […]

Toulouse (France) (AFP) – Eden Hazard scored his first goal of Euro 2016 as Belgium cruised into the quarter-finals with a 4-0 win to end Hungary's fairytale campaign. Belgium go into the European Championship quarter-finals for the first time since losing the 1980 final. They were dominant throughout at Stadium de Toulouse after Toby Alderweireld […]

Paris (AFP) – Spain striker Alvaro Morata believes his clash with old friends when the European champions take on Italy at Euro 2016 on Monday is one of the biggest game of his young career. Morata is joint top scorer in the tournament with three goals from three games, but will face the unique challenge […]

Nice (France) (AFP) – Iceland will have about 3,000 fans in the Nice stadium for their Euro 2016 clash against England on Monday but thousands more chanting their Viking songs will be in the Mediterranean resort. Like Irish Republic supporters who had to lay out for black market tickets to see their country against France […]

Paris (AFP) – Italy boss Antonio Conte has charged his players with the belief they can end Spain's eight-year reign as European champions in a blockbuster Euro 2016 last 16 clash on Monday. Spain beat Italy 4-0 in the Euro 2012 final and on penalties in the quarter-finals on way to winning their first major […]