Reigning world Champions <keyword id="19907360" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Argentina" source="keywords">Argentina</keyword> have triumphed once again! <keyword id="20025988" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lionel-Messi" source="keywords">Lionel Messi</keyword> and his team successfully clinched their 16th <keyword id="20002770" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Copa-America" source="keywords">Copa America</keyword> title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over <keyword id="19987590" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Colombia" source="keywords">Colombia</keyword> at Miami's <keyword id="4820681" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hard-Rock-Stadium" source="Orion">Hard Rock Stadium</keyword> in the early hours of Monday (Indian time).<br /><br />The South American football spectacle faced an 82-minute kickoff delay due to crowd trouble caused by unruly unticketed fans.<br /><br />Once the game finally commenced, it remained deadlocked until the late stages of extra time. It was then that Inter Milan's <keyword id="4165877" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lautaro-Martinez" source="Orion">Lautaro Martinez</keyword> broke the stalemate with a decisive strike in the 112th minute, securing Argentina's victory. Displaying composure, the striker burst through the heart of a tired Colombian defence to pick the corner expertly.<br /><br /><div type="twitter" handle="copaamerica_ENG" handlename="copaamerica_ENG" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1812711734995476855"></div><br />Martinez came to Argentina’s rescue after Lionel Messi's night and <keyword id="719006" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Copa-America-final" source="Orion">Copa America final</keyword> ended prematurely. The Argentina captain departed the field in tears during the 64th minute, nursing an apparent ankle injury. The 37-year-old’s distressing exit came after a non-contact injury sustained while sprinting at full speed. Subsequent images showed a visibly swollen ankle as Messi sat on the sidelines.<br /><br />Prior to the delayed kickoff, chaotic scenes unfolded as individuals breached security railings near the Southwest entrance of the stadium, evading both police and venue staff. The backdrop was filled with shouts and commotion.<br /><br />In the sweltering heat of South Florida, some individuals required medical attention and hydration. Authorities swiftly responded by securing entrances with black gates, effectively preventing further unauthorised access.<br /><br />Despite the challenges, Argentina's teammates rallied when Messi needed them most. With this triumph, Argentina has clinched back-to-back Copa America titles, wrapped around a glorious World Cup victory. This achievement underscores that while the Messi era may be drawing to a close, Argentina's era of dominance is here to stay.<br />

Copa America 2024 final: Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 despite Messi injury scare, crowd trouble at Hard Rock Stadium

For the first time in over two decades <keyword id="64" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="football" source="Orion">football</keyword> greats <keyword id="19960395" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Cristiano-Ronaldo" source="keywords">Cristiano Ronaldo</keyword> and <keyword id="20025988" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lionel-Messi" source="keywords">Lionel Messi</keyword> will not feature in the <keyword id="23047334" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ballon-dOr-nominations" source="keywords">Ballon d'Or nominations</keyword>.<br /><br /><keyword id="19945360" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Messi" source="keywords">Messi</keyword> has won this prestigious award for a record 8 times, he won it last year as well. While the Portuguese superstar has received this award 5 times.<br /><br /><keyword id="20149352" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ronaldo" source="keywords">Ronaldo</keyword> plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr currently. Messi, on the other hand, is in the United States and playing for Inter Miami.<br /><br />The Argentine maestro helped the club lift their maiden trophy.<br /><br />Ronaldo had won his first <keyword id="460284" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ballon-dOr" source="Orion">Ballon d'Or</keyword> in 2008 while he was playing for Manchester United and still holds the record of the last Premier League player to claim the top prize. Messi won his first in 2009 and was nominated for 16 years.<br /><br />Among the list of 30 players, there are six players from England who are nominated. Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Harry Kane, Phil Foden, and Declan Rice are all in the contention. Bellingham was nominated because of his exceptional debut campaign with Real Madrid. He helped England to reach the final of Euro 2024.<br /><br />There are six players from the Euro 2024 champions Spain, Rodri, DCarvajal, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, and Alejandro Grimaldo. Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior is also a favourite to win the award. Kylian Mbappe is also on the list along with Manchester City's Erling Haaland.<br /><br />The golden glove winner of the FIFA World Cup 2022, Emiliano Martinez, has made it to the list.<br /><br />The list of 30 players who are nominated for this year's Ballon d'Or are:<br /><br />Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Rodri, Dani Carvajal, Bukayo Saka, Ruben Dias, William Saliba, Fede Valverde, Cole Palmer, Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Toni Kroos, Martin Odegaard, Emiliano Martinez, Granit Xhaka, Artem Dovbyk, Harry Kane, Mats Hummels, Hakan Calhanoglu, Nico Williams, Phil Foden, Florian Wirtz, Dani Olmo, Declan Rice, Vitinha, Ademola Lookman, Lautaro Martinez, Alejandro Grimaldo, Antonio Rudiger. (ANI)<br /><br />

End of an era: Ronaldo and Messi absent from Ballon d'Or nominations for the first time in over 20 years

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Argentina's WAGs are having a horrid time at the World Cup in Qatar.</li><li>A number have been forced to move hotels because of power outages, while one found glass in her drink at a club.</li></ul><p>The families of some of Argentina's soccer players are having a difficult time at the World Cup in Qatar, enduring power outages at their hotel and even finding glass in one of their drinks.</p><p><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11542527/Argentinas-WAGs-fear-safety-FLEE-Qatars-Waterfront-Hotel-power-cut.html">MailOnline reported on Thursday</a> that a number of the women were forced to flee the five-star Waterfront Hotel late on Wednesday night after the power went out in the building.</p><p>They, along with their children, had to be ferried away to an alternative luxury hotel on an island in an emergency move.</p><p>Among the group was Jorgelina Cardoso, the wife of former Manchester United star Angel Di Maria; Agustina Gandolfo, the wife of Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez; and Linda Raff, the wife of Alejandro Gomez.</p><p>A source close to the group told MailOnline: 'The Argentines have paid a lot of money and do not expect to have to sit in darkness in their hotel rooms – and there were safety issues too."</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CmBs0klM-m9" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank"></a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by ARQ. LINDA RAFF (@linda.raff)<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime=""></time></p></div></blockquote><p>Just days prior to the blackout, Gandolfo had been taken to hospital after finding pieces of glass in her drink while at a club, according to MailOnline.</p><p>The 26-year-old had been out celebrating Argentina's semifinal win over Croatia.</p><p>She sought medical help fearing she may have drunk some of the glass, but medics who examined her said she did not suffer any injury.</p><p>According to MailOnline, some locals accused Gandolfo of planting the glass in her own drink, to which she responded angrily on Instagram.</p><p>"A disgrace, we have the complaint and witnesses at the club," she said in an Instagram story.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CmIM-y4vxp8" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank"></a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Jorgelina Cardoso (@jorgelinacardoso26)<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime=""></time></p></div></blockquote><p>While some of the wives and girlfriends may be having a tough time in Qatar, Argentina's team is having the opposite experience.</p><p>Lionel Scaloni's side plays France in the World Cup final on Sunday, in what will be Lionel Messi's last ever international appearance and his final chance to win a World Cup.</p><p>Messi and the team made the final in 2014; however, they were beaten by Germany. </p>

Argentina players' families are having a horrid time in Qatar, enduring power cuts at their hotel and finding glass in a drink

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="11894249" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="lionel-messi" source="Orion">Lionel Messi</keyword> became first South American player ever to score 80 international goals as Argentina beat Uruguay. </li><li>The <keyword id="11894816" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="psg" source="Orion">PSG</keyword> forward opened the scoring in a 3-0 win in World Cup qualifying. </li></ul><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/category/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> became first South American player in men's <keyword id="11897666" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="soccer" source="Orion">soccer</keyword> history to score 80 international goals as he helped Argentina beat Uruguay 3-0 in World Cup qualifying on Monday.</p><p>The 34-year-old opened the scoring on the night with a floated cross that crept into the far corner of the net.</p><p>Last month, Messi had surpassed Brazilian legend Pele as South America's record international male goalscorer when he hit a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Bolivia. He still trails women's soccer legend Marta by 32 goals, with the Brazilian scoring 112 so far in her career. </p><p>After his goal against Uruguay, the PSG star was presented with a CONMEBOL award by the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), Claudio Tapia.</p><p>The award featured a photo of Messi lifting the Copa America title, which he helped his country win in July. </p><p>"We played a great game. Everything worked out perfectly," said Messi after Argentina's victory, which was sealed by goals from  Rodrigo de Paul and Lautaro Martinez.</p><p>"Uruguay wait for you and they generate danger. Once we got the first goal we started to find space and the goals appeared."</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CU31TrHKOfn" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank"></a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime=""></time></p></div></blockquote><p>While Messi is still doing the business for his country, <a href="https://www.insider.com/lionel-messi-suffers-first-loss-psg-player-defeat-to-rennes-2021-10">he has thus far struggled to make much of an impact for his new club side, Paris Saint Germain.</a></p><p>Since leaving Barcelona to join the Ligue 1 giant this summer, Messi has scored just once in five matches, while he has also failed to register a single assist.</p><p>His only goal for his new club came <a href="https://www.insider.com/lionel-messi-scores-first-psg-goal-in-man-city-win-2021-9">against Manchester City in the Champions League,</a> after which he said: "I was getting desperate to score my first goal."</p><p>He added: "I am settling into the team little by little."</p>

Lionel Messi put his PSG woes aside to become the first male South American player ever to score 80 international goals

<ul class="summary-list"><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/category/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> taunted former club teammate Yerry Mina after the defender missed a penalty.</li><li>The Argentina star was seen passionately shouting from halfway after Mina's effort was saved.</li><li>The incident occurred during a Copa América semifinal penalty shootout Tuesday night.</li></ul><p>A passionate <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> taunted former teammate Yerry Mina during Argentina's penalty shoot win against Colombia in the Copa América semi-finals Tuesday night, mocking the defender's trademark goal celebration.</p><p>The Barcelona captain, <a href="https://www.insider.com/barcelona-cannot-register-messi-or-new-signings-amid-financial-crisis-2021-7">who is still out of contract and without a club</a>, furiously shouted towards the Colombian after his penalty was saved.</p><p>The spot kicks were needed to separate the sides following a 1-1 draw in normal time and a goalless extra 30 minutes. </p><p>Argentina, looking for its first major trophy since 1993, threatened from kickoff with Messi pulling the strings.</p><p>Early in wriggled his way past three Colombia defenders before finding the head of Lautaro Martinez but the Inter Milan striker's effort went wide of the post.</p><p>That same connection soon provided the opening goal. Messi received the ball in the box and after a slight miscontrol, he managed to regain possession and play a pass to an open Martinez who slotted into an open net.</p><p>Colombia then leveled the score just after the hour mark when Luis Díaz finished from a tight angle past Argentina's keeper Emiliano Martínez.</p><p>No more goals came, and after a period of extra time, the game went to penalties.</p><p>During the shootout, Messi tucked away his, and his team's first, penalty by hitting it hard into the top right corner, but Argentina was put on the back foot following Rodrigo De Paul's miss.</p><p>The score was levelled when Tottenham's Davison Sanchez saw his effort saved, and then stepped up Yerry Mina.</p><p>Aston Villa's Martínez dived low to his left to stop the Everton defender's effort, and the miss sparked an unusual reaction from the six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi.</p><p>Standing with his teammates on the halfway line, Messi broke clear and began pumping his fists and shouting.</p><p>As Mina returned to the halfway line, Messi shouted the words "baila ahora," in Spanish at him. The words translate to English as "dance now" and seemed to be in reference to Mina's trademark goal celebration.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">-Nico Cantor (@Nicocantor1) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1412631908740124673">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote><p>The Everton defender celebrates his goals by dancing, and most recently did so in Colombia's shootout win against Uruguay in the previous round.</p><p>It is unclear as to why Messi produced such a fired-up reaction especially considering the pair used to play together.</p><p>Argentina plays Brazil in the final of the Copa América on Sunday, just hours after England takes on Italy in the final of Euro 2020, in what is a bumper day for international <keyword id="3071" type="SPORT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Soccer">soccer</keyword>.</p>

Lionel Messi aggressively taunted an ex-teammate when he missed a penalty during a Copa América shootout, yelling at him to 'dance now'

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="704" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Lionel-Messi">Lionel Messi</keyword> was involved in a furious bust-up with a member of an opposition staff member after <keyword id="5927" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Argentina">Argentina</keyword>'s victory over Bolivia on Tuesday, allegedly calling them a "c---."</li><li>Messi was unhappy with fitness coach Lucas Nava shouting at him during the match and confronted him at the final whistle.</li><li>'The c-- of your mother. What's up baldy" Messi said to Nava, <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8839395/Lionel-Messi-involved-furious-bust-Bolivia-coach-Lucas-Nava.html">according to Sportsmail.</a> "You were screaming the whole game."</li><li>Nava, an Argentine, said he was "hurt" by Messi's comments but that it wouldn't change his opinion of the <keyword id="6039" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="FC-Barcelona">FC Barcelona</keyword> forward. </li></ul><p>Lionel Messi was involved in a furious bust-up with a member of Bolivia's coaching staff after Argentina's victory in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday, allegedly calling him a "c---."</p><p>Messi played the full 90 minutes as Argentina emerged as 2-1 winners in La Paz, before confronting Bolivia's fitness coach Lucas Nava at the final whistle. </p><p>The FC Barcelona star was unhappy at Nava shouting at him from the touchline throughout the game.</p><p>'The c-- of your mother. What's up baldy?" Messi said to Nava afterwards, <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8839395/Lionel-Messi-involved-furious-bust-Bolivia-coach-Lucas-Nava.html">according to Sportsmail.</a> "You were screaming the whole game. What are you doing? From the bench you are yelling at me the whole game."</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—TyC <keyword id="6356028" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sports">Sports</keyword> (@TyCSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1316168227379187713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2020</a></blockquote><p>Navas, an Argentine himself, spoke to the media after and said he was "hurt" my Messi's comments, however the spat would not change his opinion of the 34-year-old forward.</p><p>"I grew up watching Messi play, he is the greatest thing there is. I admire him so much that my youngest son is named Lionel after him," Navas said, <a href="https://redgol.cl/internacional/Lionel-Messi-se-peleo-con-Lucas-Nava-PF-de-Bolivia-cuyo-hijo-se-llama-Lionel-en-honor-al-10-20201014-0081.html">according to Red Gol.</a></p><p>"It hurt me that my children heard how they talked about me, I think everything got bigger than it really was. What mortified me the most were the messages I received."</p><p>"What happened does not change my way of thinking about Messi."</p><p>Argentina's victory on Tuesday night was the first time La Albiceleste had won away in Bolivia in 15 years. </p><p>The visitors went behind in the 24th minute, however Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez equalized just before half time, before Lazio's Joaquin Correa netted the winner with 10 minutes to play.</p><p><strong>Read more:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/why-do-american-soccer-stars-move-to-germany-christian-pulisic-2020-9">US soccer's best young players are moving thousands of miles from home and flocking to Germany, and it's all down to one man: Christian Pulisic</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/cristiano-ronaldo-juventus-star-tests-positive-for-the-coronavirus-2020-10">Cristiano Ronaldo has tested positive for COVID-19 less than 24 hours after posting a grinning selfie with 25 of his teammates</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/project-big-picture-what-is-it-english-premier-league-2020-10">'Project Big Picture' would see the English Premier League reduced in size, domestic competitions scrapped, and the biggest clubs in the division hold all the power</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/erling-haaland-scores-8th-career-hat-trick-norway-thrash-romania-2020-10">Soccer's hottest young striker scored the 8th hat-trick of his career to put him in touching distance of some of the game's greats</a></p>

Lionel Messi reportedly called an opposition coach a 'c---'  and a 'baldy' in a furious post-match ruckus

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5dd7fd4cfd9db2734635e2bf-2000/gettyimages-1158785788.jpg" border="0" alt="Antonio Conte" data-mce-source="Getty/Claudio Villa" /></div></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li>Inter Milan football manager Antonio Conte says he advises his players how to have sex as part of his training regime. </li><li>"I advise my players to have sex for short periods and with the minimum of effort," <a href="https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Article/Antonio-conte-je-suis-un-esprit-libre-pas-un-leche-cul/1082294">he told L'Equipe.</a> "[And] use positions where they are under their partners."</li><li>He also joked that he frowns upon extra martial relations because they need "extra action."</li><li>The Italian's strange method appears to be working however, with Inter sitting second in the Serie A table having lost just once so far this season.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/soccer-news?r=US&amp;IR=T">Read more of our soccer coverage here.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.</a></li></ul><p>Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte says he advises his players how to have sex as part of his training regime. </p><p>The Italian, who took over at the San Siro during the summer, has developed a reputation for his detailed methodologies. </p><p>Cesc Fabregas, who played for him at Chelsea, said he was "meticulous" <a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/david-luiz-meticulous-chelsea-coach-antonio-conte-sees-things-others-dont-a3529866.html">according to the Evening Standard.</a></p><p>However, the 50-year-old's admission that his management techniques extend into the bedrooms of his players is a new, and surprising, insight into the level of detail that he is willing to go to for marginal gains.</p><p>"During the season, I advise my players to have sex for short periods and with the minimum of effort," <a href="https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Article/Antonio-conte-je-suis-un-esprit-libre-pas-un-leche-cul/1082294">he told L'Equipe.</a></p><p>"[And they] better use positions where they are under their partners. And preferably, with their wives, because if with others, well, that needs extra action."</p><p>Conte's intrusive method of man management appears to be working.</p><p>Since the former Juventus and Italy boss took over at Inter, the team has lost just three matches in all competitions, and won 10 of its 12 Serie A games. Inter sits just one point behind league leaders Juventus in the race for the Scudetto.</p><p>Many of the club's players are thriving under Conte, most notably strike duo Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez, who have scored 17 goals between them this season.</p><p>Lukaku, who has nine of those, moved to Milan in the summer and says he's delighted to be working for the Italian following his difficult spell at former club Manchester United.</p><p>"My rapport with Conte is very strong, as he is a coach who really helps me," <a href="https://www.football-italia.net/144448/lukaku-wanted-coach-conte" target="_blank" rel="noopener">he told DAZN</a>. "At the age of 26, I want a coach like this, who helps me every day and gives me motivation.</p><p>"I am very happy to be here and to be working with him."</p><p>Inter next play Torino in Serie A on Saturday, November 23.</p><p><strong>Read more:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lionel-messi-sends-photo-collage-of-himself-as-gift-to-dortmund-teen-2019-11" data-analytics-position="2" data-analytics-module="">Lionel Messi sent Borussia Dortmund's 15-year-old striker a selection of birthday presents which included a photo collage of himself</a></p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chelsea-players-fined-25000-every-time-they-are-late-to-training-2019-11" data-analytics-position="14" data-analytics-module="">Chelsea FC players have to pay $25,000 every time they're late for training, according to a leaked list of the club's fines</a></p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/video-football-coach-asked-if-win-is-better-than-sex-2019-10" data-analytics-position="41" data-analytics-module="">A soccer coach had a great response when a reporter asked if his team's win was 'better than sex'</a></p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/var-fails-in-soccer-match-after-worker-unplugs-it-to-charge-phone-2019-10" data-analytics-position="62" data-analytics-module="">A VAR system stopped working during a Saudi Arabian soccer match after a worker unplugged it to charge his phone</a></p>

One of the best football managers in Europe wants his players to have sex for 'short periods' with 'minimum effort' and preferably under their partners

<p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5dadb1784af90974c9333782-2000/pjimage%2076.jpg" border="0" alt="Nainggolan, Ronaldo, Ramos" data-mce-source="Getty" /></div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>Europe's biggest clubs returned to action this weekend after a two-week-long international break.</li><li>Real Madrid's first defeat of the season, Inter Milan's seven goal thriller against Sassuolo, and a wonder goal from Radja Nainggolan were amongst the highlights.</li><li>Catch up with everything that happened in the past week across Europe's top five leagues below.&#xa0;</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/soccer-news?r=US&amp;IR=T">Read more of our soccer stories here.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.</a></li></ul><h2>Serie A&#xa0;</h2><p>Italy's top flight provided the most exciting action from around Europe this weekend.</p><p>The highlight of the weekend came in the unlikely form of Cagliari midfielder Radja Nainggolan, who produced the goal of the season so far with a stunning, swerved volley from outside the area.</p><p>Game of the weekend went to Sassuolo and Inter Milan, who saw out a 3-4 thriller at the Mapei Stadium. Antonio Conte's newly formed strike duo of Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku scored two-a-piece to cancel out goals from Dominico Berardi, Filip Duricic, and Jeremie Boga.&#xa0;</p><p>Cristiano Ronaldo was on the scoresheet for Juventus as the league leaders beat Bologna 2-1 at home, whilst AC Milan remains in the bottom half of the table following a 2-2 draw with Lecce.&#xa0;</p><h2>Premier League</h2><p>Liverpool kept up its unbeaten record in the league this season as it saw out a drab 1-1 draw with Manchester United. Marcus Rashford had given United the lead early on, before Liverpool was denied a Sadio Mane equalizer thanks to a VAR (Video Assistant Referee) call for handball. Thankfully for Jurgen Klopp's side, substitute Adam Lallana saved the day with just five minutes to go.</p><p>Elsewhere, Chelsea continued its impressive start to the season with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Newcastle United - Frank Lampard's side managed 15 shots on goal before it finally found the net through Marcos Alonso.</p><p>Manchester City kept up the pressure on Liverpool with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, while Tottenham Hotspur's dreadful form continued with a 1-1 draw with Watford.</p><p>It could have been worse for Spurs had it not been for a controversial goal from Dele Alli, who appeared to handle the ball before slotting it home.</p><h2>La Liga</h2><p>FC Barcelona was the weekend's big winner in Spain as it beat Eibar 3-0 to jump into first place in the league. Attacking trio Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Antoine Griezmann were all on the score sheet, which will have been a huge relief for fans amid rumours of unrest in the dressing room.&#xa0;</p><p>Real Madrid had been unbeaten prior to the weekend, but came crumbling down at the hands of RCD Mallorca on Saturday. Lago Junior scored the only goal as the newly promoted side beat Eden Hazard-less Madrid 1-0.</p><p>Atletico Madrid saw out a tense 1-1 draw with Valencia, Sevilla beat Levante 1-0, and high flying Granada maintained its surprise third place position with a 1-0 win over Osasuna on Friday night.&#xa0;</p><h2>Ligue 1</h2><p>Unsurprisingly, Paris Saint Germain is running away with the Ligue 1 title again for the seventh time in eight seasons. Thomas Tuchel's side scored four for the third time already this season, beating OGC Nice 4-1 away from home.</p><p>The pick of the goals came in the form of Angel Di Maria's deft lob - his second of two on the day and 10th this season.</p><p>After a poor start to the season, AS Monaco won its third game in the last four to move further away from the relegation spots. Leonardo Jardim's side beat Rennes 3-2 in an enticing affair at the Stade Louis II. Wissam Ben Yedder (2) and Islam Slimani proved the heroes on the day.</p><p>Like Monaco, Olympique Lyonnais has also endured a difficult start to the campaign. After sacking Sylvinho, <a href="https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2019/official-lyon-appoint-rudi-garcia-as-manager/">the club appointed Rudi Garcia as its new manager last week</a>, but the Spaniard will have to wait for his first win after Lyon - who is now above the drop zone on only goal difference - drew 0-0 with Dijon.&#xa0;</p><h2>Bundesliga</h2><p>Jadon Sancho stole the headlines in Germany - but not for the right reasons. The English teenager was dropped and fined by Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre after returning late from international duty, <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11899/11839341/jadon-sancho-dropped-and-fined-by-borussia-dortmund">according to Sky Sports.</a> Fortunately for Favre (not so much for Sancho, however), the youngster's absence didn't prove costly as Dortmund secured a vital 1-0 over league leaders Borussia Monchengladbach courtesy of a second half Marco Reus goal.</p><p>Dortmund's win moved it level on points with Bayern Munich, who slipped to a shock 2-2 draw at FC Augsburg. Goals in the 1st and 91st minutes from the home side cancelled out Robert Lewandowski&#xa0; - <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-15-highest-goalscorers-in-european-football-right-now-2019-10?r=US&amp;IR=T">who now has 17 goals already this term</a> - and Serge Gnabry's strikes.&#xa0;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Sunday evening is going to involve watching this Radja Nainggolan goal over and over and over and over again.<a href="https://t.co/RT2mcAaZ2s">pic.twitter.com/RT2mcAaZ2s</a></p>- MUNDIAL  (@MundialMag) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1185949564089573384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2019</a></blockquote><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Handball? Dele Alli couldn't look more guilty 😂<br><br>This goal was given, but Sadio Mane's strike against Man Utd was ruled out 🤨<a href="https://t.co/RbT2vwrcB0">pic.twitter.com/RbT2vwrcB0</a></br></br></p>- Goal  (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1186191390818082816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2019</a></blockquote><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Ohhhh Angel Di Maria that is special 😍<br><br>PSG are two goals to the good against Nice thanks to a sublime chip from the Argentine!<br><br>Magnifique 👌 <a href="https://t.co/02BKCJsCy7">pic.twitter.com/02BKCJsCy7</a></br></br></br></br></p>- Football on BT Sport  (@btsportfootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1185272488202256385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2019</a></blockquote><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

You Searched For "Lautaro Martinez" and got 8 results

Copa America 2024 final: Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 despite Messi injury scare, crowd trouble at Hard Rock Stadium

Kunal Kambli

End of an era: Ronaldo and Messi absent from Ballon d'Or nominations for the first time in over 20 years

ANI

Argentina players' families are having a horrid time in Qatar, enduring power cuts at their hotel and finding glass in a drink

Barnaby Lane

Lionel Messi put his PSG woes aside to become the first male South American player ever to score 80 international goals

Barnaby Lane

Lionel Messi aggressively taunted an ex-teammate when he missed a penalty during a Copa América shootout, yelling at him to 'dance now'

Sam Cooper

Lionel Messi reportedly called an opposition coach a 'c---' and a 'baldy' in a furious post-match ruckus

Barnaby Lane

One of the best football managers in Europe wants his players to have sex for 'short periods' with 'minimum effort' and preferably under their partners

Barnaby Lane

Here's everything you missed in European soccer this weekend

Barnaby Lane