Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, Manuel Neuer, Paul Pogba collect World Cup awards
Lionel Messi collects the Golden Ball award, while Manuel Neuer is named the best goalkeeper of the 2014 World Cup.
Jul 13, 23:23
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
James Rodriguez wins Golden Boot at World Cup
Colombia's James Rodriguez wins the Golden Boot after finding the net six times at the World Cup.
Jul 13, 23:09
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Germany win 2014 World Cup
Mario Gotze scores in extra time as Germany win the 2014 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Argentina.
Jul 13, 22:35
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Diego Simeone praises Javier Mascherano
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone praises Argentina international Javier Mascherano for his performances at this summer's World Cup.
Jul 13, 22:20
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Diego Simeone: 'You cannot compare Lionel Messi to Diego Maradona'
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone does not believe Lionel Messi should be compared to former Argentina striker Diego Maradona.
Jul 13, 21:32
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Diego Simeone backs Argentina on penalties
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone backs Argentina to beat Germany on penalties in the World Cup final.
Jul 13, 21:17
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Half-Time Report: Germany, Argentina goalless at break
Germany and Argentina play out an entertaining goalless 45 minutes in the World Cup final.
Jul 13, 20:48
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Marc Bartra backing Argentina in World Cup final
Barcelona centre-back Marc Bartra backs Argentina to beat Germany in the World Cup final this evening.
Jul 13, 20:25
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Live Commentary: Germany 1-0 Argentina (after extra time) - as it happened
Relive how Germany won the 2014 World Cup at Argentina's expense courtesy of Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute coverage.
Jul 13, 18:00
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Josep Maria Bartomeu: 'Luis Enrique was fully behind Luis Suarez signing'
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu denies that Luis Enrique was not keen on the club signing Luis Suarez from Liverpool this summer.
Jul 13, 17:40
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Josep Maria Bartomeu hails Lionel Messi, Neymar
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says that the Spanish club's attacking duo Lionel Messi and Neymar have been the two stars of the 2014 World Cup.
Jul 13, 17:12
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Ossie Ardiles: 'Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano need to shine for Argentina'
Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano will be key to Argentina's success in the World Cup final, according to Ossie Ardiles.
Jul 13, 15:33
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Danny Higginbotham tips Germany to win World Cup
Danny Higginbotham expects Germany to beat Argentina 2-1 in this evening's World Cup final.
Jul 13, 14:57
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Lionel Messi: 'Argentina must be perfect against Germany'
Lionel Messi believes that Argentina must "play a perfect match" if they want to beat Germany in the World Cup final.
Jul 13, 12:45
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Jamie Carragher questions Luis Suarez role at Barcelona
Jamie Carragher warns Luis Suarez that he will have to tailor his game around Lionel Messi if he is to fit in at Barcelona.
Jul 13, 08:42
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Luis Suarez 'faces Barcelona wage cut if he bites'
Barcelona could dock Luis Suarez up to £3m in wages if he bites another opponent in the future, according to reports.
Jul 13, 00:29
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Lionel Messi pays tribute to Argentina supporters
Lionel Messi thanks Argentina's supporters for carrying the squad to the World Cup final against Germany.
Jul 12, 23:40
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Alejandro Sabella hoping for repeat of 1986 World Cup win
Argentina manager Alejandro Sabella is hoping for a repeat of the 1986 World Cup final when his side take on Germany at the Maracana tomorrow night.
Jul 12, 22:57
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Bastian Schweinsteiger: 'Javier Mascherano the leader of pack of wolves'
Bastian Schweinsteiger says that Germany must be on top form in tomorrow's World Cup final against Argentina, who he compares to a "pack of wolves".
Jul 12, 22:07
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Joachim Low: 'Germany fear no-one'
Germany manager Joachim Low claims that his side have no fear ahead of tomorrow's World Cup final, having put years of preparation in to reaching this stage.
Jul 12, 21:32
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
David Beckham backs Lionel Messi to lead Argentina to World Cup glory
David Beckham backs Lionel Messi to lead Argentina to World Cup glory against Germany on Sunday night.
Jul 12, 17:29
![Generic image of a locker room Generic image of a locker room](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Argentine fans Google search for Javier Mascherano
Argentine fans search for Javier Mascherano on Google more than they have Lionel Messi this World Cup.
Jul 12, 14:18
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Diego Simeone hails Javier Mascherano influence
Former Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone praises Javier Mascherano for the leadership qualities that he has shown so far at the World Cup.
Jul 12, 13:27
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Maxi Rodriguez: 'We must help Lionel Messi'
Argentina midfielder Maxi Rodriguez believes that there should be less pressure put on Lionel Messi for Sunday's World Cup final against Germany.
Jul 12, 12:05
![Generic image of a locker room Generic image of a locker room](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Gary Lineker "disappointed" with Lionel Messi World Cup displays
Gary Lineker admits that he has been "disappointed" with the impact of Lionel Messi during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Jul 12, 08:40
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Glenn Hoddle: 'Lionel Messi will deliver World Cup for Argentina'
Glenn Hoddle believes that it is "written in the stars" for Lionel Messi to lead Argentina to World Cup glory.
Jul 12, 03:39
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Horst Eckel: 'Germany must not lose Lionel Messi'
World Cup winner Horst Eckel believes that keeping a close eye on Lionel Messi could be the biggest challenge for Germany at the Maracana.
Jul 11, 21:07
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Jose Mourinho: 'Lionel Messi is not the greatest player ever'
Jose Mourinho reveals that he does not believe Lionel Messi is the greatest player of all time ahead of the World Cup final.
Jul 11, 20:53
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Four Germans named on Golden Ball shortlist
FIFA includes four German players in the shortlist for the World Cup's Golden Ball award.
Jul 11, 19:39
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Thomas Muller: 'Lionel Messi never beats me'
Thomas Muller says that Germany have a good-luck omen going for them ahead of Sunday's World Cup final with Argentina.
Jul 11, 18:35
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Germany boast "special plan" to stop Lionel Messi
Germany assistant coach Hansi Flick says that a "special plan" awaits Argentina's Lionel Messi in Sunday's World Cup final.
Jul 11, 17:16
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Franz Beckenbauer warns of Lionel Messi "genius"
Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer urges his compatriots to remember that "one stroke of genius" from Lionel Messi could hand Argentina World Cup glory on Sunday.
Jul 11, 16:46
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Preview: World Cup final: Germany vs. Argentina
Sports Mole previews the biggest game in football as Argentina and Germany prepare to meet at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium in the World Cup final on Sunday.
Jul 11, 14:59
![Generic image of a locker room Generic image of a locker room](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Alejandro Faurlin to get Lionel Messi tattoo if Argentina win World Cup
Queens Park Rangers midfielder Alejandro Faurlin promises to get a tattoo of Lionel Messi should he be crowned world champion with Argentina on Sunday.
Jul 11, 13:09
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Neymar: 'Lionel Messi deserves World Cup win'
Neymar says that he would be pleased if his Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi won the World Cup with Argentina.
Jul 11, 00:42
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Lionel Messi dedicates Argentina win to journalist
Argentina star Lionel Messi dedicates the World Cup semi-final win over the Netherlands to a journalist who was killed hours before kickoff.
Jul 10, 18:01
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Avram Grant: 'Lazar Markovic one of the best young players in world'
Avram Grant claims that Lazar Markovic is one of the best young players he has seen ahead of the Serbian's proposed move to Liverpool/
Jul 10, 04:27
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Match Analysis: Netherlands 0-0 Argentina (Arg win 4-2 on pens)
Sports Mole dissects the action as Argentina beat Netherlands 4-2 on penalties in the semi-final of the World Cup.
Jul 10, 00:42
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Argentina claim shootout victory against the Netherlands
Argentina beat the Netherlands 4-2 in a penalty shootout to book a World Cup final meeting against Germany.
Jul 9, 23:48
![A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016 A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1)
Half-Time Report: Defences on top in Sao Paulo stalemate between Argentina and Netherlands
Argentina and Netherlands are goalless at half time in their World Cup semi-final, with neither Arjen Robben nor Lionel Messi yet having a major influence on the game.
Jul 9, 21:50