Lionel Messi says Diego Maradona would be "super happy" after he overtook the late Argentina great as his country's most capped player at a World Cup.
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Messi played a full part in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Poland that secured Argentina top spot in Group C and a last-16 tie with Australia.
Messi, who had a penalty saved by Wojciech Szczesny with the game level, was making his 22nd appearance in the competition – one more than his former coach Maradona.
"I only learned about this record recently," Messi said when told about his latest achievement. "It's a pleasure to be able to continue achieving these kinds of records.
"I think Diego would be super happy for me because he's always showed me a lot of affection. He was always happy when things went well for me."
Messi could yet take another record from Maradona, as the 63 chances he has created at World Cups in recorded history is second only to his compatriot, who created 67.
The 35-year-old's blank against Poland came on the back of netting in the shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia and 2-0 win over Mexico in Argentina's opening two games in Qatar.
The seven shots he amassed against Poland is his highest tally without scoring in a match for Argentina since a 1-1 draw with Iceland at the 2018 World Cup (11).
Second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez ensured Argentina secured the win they needed, though, and they are now strong favourites to overcome Australia.
"After the first goal, everything went our way," said Messi, who was part of the Argentina squad that finished runners-up to Germany at the 2014 World Cup.
"We started doing again what we had been trying to do since the start of the World Cup, but which we hadn't been able to achieve for various reasons.
"Having been able to do it today, it gives us confidence for the future."
Messi will be looking to score in the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time on Saturday, with all eight of his previous goals coming in the group stage.
He has had 23 efforts without finding the net beyond the first round, though he did assist in the last 16 in each of the 2010, 2014 and 2018 editions.
Brazil defender Dani Alves has no doubt over what he can offer to Tite's World Cup squad, despite being 39.
Former Barcelona and Juventus full-back Alves made the 26-man selection for Qatar, but is yet to feature at the tournament.
That seems set to change on Friday, with Tite set to ring the changes for Brazil's final Group G match against Cameroon, given the Selecao's place in the last 16 is already assured.
While acknowledging he is no longer at his peak, Alves – who made his Brazil debut in 2006 – is sure on just what he can bring to the team.
"[I'm] very proud to be able to be here," he said at a press conference.
"I have been doing so for many years with the squad, so to be able to wrap up this cycle by playing in the World Cup makes me very happy.
"When you work hard, dedicate yourself and go after what you want, you'll go places you would never have thought of. That's what life is giving me.
"All my 16 years on the squad, I have done my best for the team. Life always rewards the people who love what they do and do their very best on the mission.
"I am reaping what I have planted over those 16 years. It's normal that people question this because of my age or because I am not at my best, but at the World Cup it's not about being your best for a club, but having your best moment at the tournament.
"In the two matches that I wasn't present, our team needed a better defender in my position, I'm good as an attacker – that's a plan that we have established here, to know how the team plays and what will be demanded of a player.
"I am here to serve the team. If I have to play the drum, I will be the best drummer out there.
"I know what I can do for the team and know there are other players at a better moment than I for what is requested. I know I can deliver, know what I can deliver.
"Trust is something you don't ask for, it's something you obtain. I have obtained the trust."
Tite believes Alves sets the prime example to the younger players in his squad.
"We represent people with a lot of love, a lot of pride, passion and dedication," Tite said.
"Dani is an example of that. He does everything with high quality. I greatly respect those who have got to where he has. He is much more than football, much more than a player on the pitch."
Two of the younger players Tite will be hoping are looking to emulate Alves are wingers Gabriel Martinelli and Antony, with both options to start against Cameroon.
Both players were featuring in Sao Paulo Youth Cup only three years ago, and Alves believes their success is proof hard work pays off.
"A few years ago they were playing a minor tournament and now they're at the World Cup," Alves said. "It shows their dedication, and shows how we need to mature quickly. They deserve to be here, that's their reward.
"We win when everybody plays at the same level, on and off the field. I think this is the most balanced team we have ever had."
Brazil will be without the injured Neymar and Danilo against Cameroon, though both have progressed to working in the swimming pool.
Should the Selecao win Group G, they will play against the runners-up of Group H on Monday in the last 16.
Romelu Lukaku remained on the bench for Belgium's game against Croatia and was joined there by Red Devils captain Eden Hazard.
Belgium have endured a tumultuous week ahead of a World Cup match they almost certainly must win in order to advance from Group F.
Reports of a rift within the camp were dismissed as "fake news" by Roberto Martinez at his pre-match news conference.
In the same media briefing, Martinez said Lukaku – who returned from injury as a substitute in the defeat to Morocco – was "ready".
However, he added: "Now we have to see how much he can play."
The answer, it appears, was not enough to start, with Lukaku again left out of the XI and finding company on the bench in the form of skipper Hazard.
Michy Batshuayi, Lukaku's deputy, also made way as four changes saw an apparent move to a 3-4-3 formation.
Dries Mertens looked set to lead the line, supported by Yannick Carrasco and Leandro Trossard.
Croatia were unchanged after beating Canada 4-1 in their previous match to take control of the group heading into matchday three.
England have a good enough squad to win the World Cup and should be feared by other competing nations, according to Three Lions midfielder Declan Rice.
Gareth Southgate's side finished top of Group B with seven points after beating Iran 6-2 and Wales 3-0 either side of a goalless draw with the United States.
It is the first time since 2006 that England have finished top en route to the last 16, where Group A runners-up Senegal now await on Sunday.
Following shock defeats in the group phase already for France, Argentina, Belgium and Germany, Rice believes England's serene progress is a sign they mean business.
"I didn't see the France [loss to Tunisia] last night. I saw the result and there have been a lot of shocks in this tournament," he said at a press conference on Thursday.
"You can't take anything for granted. That's why we're doing so well and maybe why we are not getting the credit we deserve.
"It could have been banana skins for us in any of the three games, but we've done well in all of them.
"We've seen big nations lose but we have not put ourselves in a position where we've felt under pressure. We've always felt in control of the group.
"When you start to play better teams, your level goes up. These are the games you want to be involved in and get remembered forever. We'll be ready for those type of games.
"Other nations will always look at us and the quality that we have in the squad. Why should we not be feared?
"If you look at our attacking players, we have world-class, unbelievable talents across the board. Across the whole team, we have players who have won the biggest trophies."
England have not lifted the World Cup since 1966 and Rice accepts that partly explains why his side are perhaps not as fancied as others to go all the way in Qatar.
"We're one of the biggest teams here. It's down to us to prove it on the pitch," he said. "Teams like France have won World Cups and done it consistently. We want to change that.
"All those big nations, we want to show that we're here. We are not here for the round of 16; we want to go all the way."
The nine goals scored by England is the most they have ever managed in the group stage at a major tournament.
Rice is one of seven players to have started each of England's matches in Qatar and he was also a regular in their run to the Euro 2020 final, which they lost to Italy on penalties.
The West Ham midfielder is hoping to use that feel-good factor created last year to propel England to an even bigger achievement this time around.
"It was obviously COVID back then so we couldn't see anyone, friends or family," he said. "But we saw videos of the fans back home and it brought all the fans together.
"We will try to keep going, try to lift everyone. It's obviously really close to Christmas now, so hopefully we'll give them the best Christmas present."
Liverpool favourite Steve Heighway has called time on his Reds career at the age of 75, with Jamie Carragher hailing him as "a huge influence".
Former winger Heighway has spent 25 years working at the club's academy, across two spells, and Liverpool announced he has decided to retire.
Heighway played for Liverpool from 1970 to 1981, winning a string of league titles and two European Cups with the Reds, while scoring 76 goals in 475 games.
His youth coaching role proved hugely significant too, with Heighway helping to nurture talents such as Robbie Fowler, Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen and Carragher.
He was head of youth development from 1989 to 2007 before initially retiring, but Heighway returned to the club as a full-time consultant in 2015, after being invited back by academy boss Alex Inglethorpe.
That saw him work closely with Inglethorpe with a view to bringing through youngsters capable of challenging for places in Jurgen Klopp's first-team squad.
Carragher, who made 737 appearances for Liverpool, was quick to thank Heighway on Thursday.
He wrote on Twitter: "What a contribution from Steve Heighway @LFC as a player who won Leagues & European cups.
"Then heading up an academy that produced McManaman, Fowler, Owen, Gerrard……amongst a few others!
"A huge influence on me as a young player and still to this day. Thank you Steve."
Inglethorpe told Liverpool's website: "Steve has decided it is the right time to retire from his coaching role at the club."
He described Heighway overseeing "the development of some of the most iconic players to have played for Liverpool Football Club".
Luis Suarez feels no need to apologise for his handball against Ghana 12 years ago, as he hopes to propel Uruguay into the World Cup last 16.
Having taken a point from their opening two matches in Qatar, Uruguay must beat Ghana on Friday to progress from Group H.
However, the game at Al Janoub Stadium is something of a grudge match - at least from the point of view of Ghana supporters.
While the Black Stars coach Otto Addo insisted Ghana will not be out for revenge, Suarez has been a hugely unpopular figure in the African nation since he handled on the line to deny Dominic Adiyiah a goal in extra-time of a World Cup quarter-final tie in 2010.
Suarez was sent off, but Asamoah Gyan hit the crossbar from the resulting spot-kick, with Uruguay going on to progress to the semi-finals by winning the penalty shoot-out.
The former Liverpool and Barcelona star has never considered apologising, though.
"I don't apologise for that," he said in a press conference.
"I did the handball, but the Ghana player missed a penalty, not me.
"Maybe I could apologise if I injured the player, but in this situation I was sent off, the ref said penalty – it's not my fault, because I didn't miss the penalty.
"It's not my responsibility to score the penalty."
When it was put to Suarez that Ghana, who could go through with a point, might be even more motivated if he plays in what could well be his final World Cup game, the 35-year-old suggested an obsession with revenge is unhealthy.
"I haven't thought about this. I don't know what people are saying or if they want revenge," he replied.
"The players who might play tomorrow might've been eight years old back then, will they be motivated? Some people might call me the Devil.
"We beat Portugal in 2018, have you heard Portuguese people saying they needed revenge because we lost?"
Suarez also referenced the incident involving Giorgio Chiellini in the 2014 World Cup, when the Uruguay forward bit the Italy defender on the shoulder.
"What I did to Chiellini, I made a mistake, but afterwards we played together in the Champions League and shook hands," he added.
"You can't focus on the past and revenge, that can be counter-productive."
Uruguay coach Diego Alonso said: "For us it's a defining match and that's what matters, I don't know if Ghana will want revenge, we respect them and we will try to be better to be able to qualify."
His counterpart Addo, meanwhile, reiterated Ghana's minds are not fixed on revenge.
"This is what I wish from every player, to do all they can to get to the semi-final of a World Cup. Maybe sacrifice themselves. This is my perspective," he said.
"It was very sad what happened in 2010, but we can't change it. In general, it is about perspective," Addo said.
"If the same incident had happened the other way round people would have talked about it, so for me it is not a big topic. We are going into the match like any other."
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and Harry Brook all made centuries as an electric and record-hungry England piled on the runs on day one of the first Test against Pakistan.
A virus in the tourist camp threatened to delay England's first five-day game on Pakistan soil since 2005 but by stumps it was Pakistan who were feeling sick at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium as the visitors closed on 506-4.
Having reached 174-0 by lunch, the most runs scored in the first session of a Test, Crawley reached three figures early after the restart having overturned an lbw decision on review a few balls earlier.
His hundred came off just 86 balls, the fastest for an England opener, while Duckett – who returned at the top of the order for his first Test in six years – seized his opportunity to also reach three figures.
A missed sweep off Zahid Mahmood (2-160) sent Duckett (107) packing lbw and Crawley (122) soon became debutant Haris Rauf's (1-78) first Test victim.
Joe Root (23) fell cheaply after a swift half-century stand with Pope but that was Pakistan's only real spell on top as the latter piled on the runs with Brook.
Together, they made put on 176 for the fourth wicket as Pope (108) celebrated a third Test century prior to falling leg-before for Mohammad Ali's (1-96) maiden Test scalp.
Brook (101no) went on to make his first Test ton as England became the first team to make 500 runs on day one of a Test in what was a glorious display of what has become dubbed 'Bazball'.
CRAWLEY AND DUCKETT SET THE TONE
Crawley and Duckett were the perfect foil on admittedly ideal conditions for scoring, the former driving to the covers at will, while the latter swept with impeccable timing.
England have had well-documented issues at the top of the order and Duckett, playing in just his fifth Test, laid down a big marker on his return to the team.
POPE AND BROOK GO FOR THE JUGULAR
There was a very fleeting spell from Pakistan in the second session but all in all it was a day of toil for the hosts' bowling unit.
Pope was fluent throughout and Brook, who looks a star in the making, was rapid with his knock including six fours from as many balls off Saud Shakeel in the 68th over.
Brook had two maximums and 14 fours. He will return to the crease with captain Ben Stokes (34no) on Friday.
France have filed a complaint to FIFA over the decision to disallow Antoine Griezmann's late goal in Wednesday's shock 1-0 World Cup loss to Tunisia.
Griezmann thought he had cancelled out Wahbi Khazri's strike when he volleyed home in the eighth minute of stoppage time at Education City Stadium.
However, after the celebrations had died down, referee Michael Conger ruled out Griezmann's goal for an offside infringement.
The Atletico Madrid forward was adjudged to have been offside when firing in from Aurelien Tchouameni's pass, which took a deflection off a Tunisian defender.
However, the French Football Federation (FFF) believe the officials were wrong to disallow the goal as play had already restarted when VAR intervened, which is prohibited.
"We are writing a complaint after Antoine Griezmann's goal was, in our opinion, wrongly disallowed," said a widely released statement from the FFF on Wednesday.
"This complaint has to be filed within 24 hours after the final whistle."
Khazri's superb strike at Education City Stadium ended reigning world champions France's nine-game unbeaten run in the competition stretching back to the 2014 quarter-finals.
However, the result ultimately meant little in the context of Group D as France still went through in top spot and Australia claimed second place with a 1-0 win over Denmark.
Should France be successful with their appeal and the scoreline is changed to 1-1, the final points tallies in Group D will change but not the positions of any of the four sides.
Nuno Mendes looks set to miss the rest of the World Cup but will stay with Portugal in Qatar, coach Fernando Santos has announced.
The Paris Saint-Germain left-back seemed set to be an important member of the Portugal team in Qatar, but a thigh injury has scuppered hopes of being a fixture in the side.
Mendes was not involved in the opening 3-2 win against Ghana but started against Uruguay on Monday, only to be substituted just 42 minutes into that game and replaced by Borussia Dortmund's Raphael Guerreiro.
He left the field in tears, and that seems likely to be his only involvement in the tournament, with Guerreiro the obvious choice to be Portugal's starter at left-back against South Korea on Friday and thereafter, with the team's place in the knockout stage secured.
The 20-year-old was also troubled by a thigh problem in the weeks leading up to the tournament but returned to the PSG starting line-up for two games before joining up with his national side.
Santos said: "He will continue to stay with us here in Qatar because that's what the players wanted. The club allowed him to come here because it was important to him.
"He wanted to stay here with us, this really reflects the spirit of the team and how united we all are.
"I feel sad about those who won't be able to play, but it has to encourage me and the other players, because we have to make up for those who aren't there."
A statement from the Portuguese federation, the FPF, read: "The international Nuno Mendes, after carrying out tests, was considered unavailable for the work of the national team by the health and performance unit of the FPF.
"The player suffered a muscle injury in his left thigh during the game between Portugal and Uruguay. Nuno Mendes will remain part of the national delegation in Qatar, where he will begin the recovery work."
Kyler Murray has fired back at criticism from former Arizona Cardinals team-mate Patrick Peterson, accusing him of using his name to grow podcast numbers.
It has been a tough season for quarterback Murray and the Cardinals who are now 4-8 for the season following a dramatic 25-24 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers last weekend.
Following that loss, Murray drew more attention to the reported tensions between himself and head coach Kliff Kingsbury when he said the Cardinals were "schematically f****d". Earlier this season, the two were involved in a heated exchange during a win over the New Orleans Saints.
Cornerback Peterson, who played with Murray for two seasons and is now with the Minnesota Vikings, said on the 'All Things Covered' podcast: "Kyler Murray don't care about nobody but Kyler Murray. That's just a matter of fact."
He added that Kingsbury will wind up as a scapegoat for the Cardinals' struggles, saying: "Ain't no maybe, he will. He will be. He will be. And the crazy thing about it, the guy who hired him will still have a job."
Murray took exception to Peterson's jibes and issued a blunt riposte on social media.
He wrote: "This isn't true…you on some weird s***, you got my number, if you really felt like this as a 'big bro' or 'mentor' you supposed to call me and tell me, not drag me so your podcast can grow…"
DeShaun Watson has shown a lack of remorse and should have been suspended by the NFL for at least a year, according to the president of anti-sexual assault organisation RAINN.
Scott Berkowitz spoke to Stats Perform as Watson prepares to make his Cleveland Browns debut.
Watson was handed an 11-game suspension and a $5million fine following sexual assault and misconduct allegations. The 27-year-old has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and is facing no criminal charges.
The ban has meant the star quarterback has yet to debut for the Browns after his March trade from the Houston Texans, which was followed by a lucrative new contract in Cleveland.
The NFL had initially hit Watson with a six-game ban before the punishment was extended. Berkowitz was happy to see that decision taken but says there is still work to be done.
"There's no length of suspension that would make up for the damage that he did to all those women. We initially advocated for a year suspension, which I think would have been appropriate," Berkowitz told Stats Perform.
"But 11's a whole lot better than six. So, it is what it is, and he'll be back on the field. And hopefully, with some different behaviour going forward.
"It [Watson's return] was bound to come eventually. But I certainly wished this suspension had been a little longer.
"But I just appreciate that the NFL added to the initial recommendation, at least, and made it longer than it initially looked like it was going to be."
Berkowitz said he can appreciate the need for second chances, but he claims Watson has not truly accepted any wrongdoing.
Watson has settled 23 of the 24 lawsuits against him.
"I understand second chances, I think that is something as a society we need to offer folks. But usually, there's a requirement that there's remorse and that they make things better," Berkowitz said.
"I think in this case, the day the suspension was announced, I recall he first put out a quote that had been written by the team that said the right things and then he immediately followed that up with what he really thought, which is that he doesn't think he did anything wrong.
"I don't know how you talk about forgiveness to someone who doesn't feel any remorse."
Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam said on August 1 that "Deshaun is remorseful that this situation has caused much heartache to many and he will continue the work needed to show who he is on and off the field".
In a remarkable coincidence, Watson – who has a fully guaranteed $230million five-year deal with Cleveland – is set to make his Browns bow against the Texans on Sunday.
During five years in Houston (the last of which in the 2021 season Watson did not make a single appearance), he twice helped the Texans to the playoffs and was a three-time Pro-Bowler.
Berkowitz does not expect Watson to receive an overly enthusiastic reaction from the home crowd.
"I suspect it won't be a hero's greeting, or I hope it won't. You never know when a star comes back to their hometown," Berkowitz said.
"But, you know, I hope that the reaction takes into account the terrible things he's done. It's hard to be enthusiastic for rooting for a guy who's done the things that he was accused of doing."
However, Berkowitz did acknowledge the reception from Browns fans moving forward will likely depend on Watson's performances on the field.
"I'd like it to be taken into account, his actions, but I'm realistic, that's once he gets going if he plays well, that the memory of that, unfortunately, is going to fade pretty quickly," he said.
"Most fans of most teams have learned to put personalities aside and put that behaviour aside, unfortunately, and, once they're playing well, they start cheering for the guy.
"And we're all guilty of that. So, there's always that tension, when your team is putting up people who you need to win but you don't feel comfortable rooting for personally."
Devin Booker lauded the support of the Phoenix Suns' adoring fans after being serenaded with chants of "MVP" during his 51-point showing against the Chicago Bulls.
Having put up 44 points in Monday's win over the Sacramento Kings, Booker continued his hot streak as the Suns secured a sixth victory on the bounce, downing the Bulls 132-113.
The Footprint Arena resonated with chants for Booker to land the MVP prize, and the 26-year-old was loving it.
"It's the best," Booker said about the home crowd.
"I don't know how many sell-out crowds that is in a row, but it's impressive.
"Mondays, Tuesdays, Saturdays, it doesn't matter what day of the week it is. They show up and show out."
Booker added 26 of his 51 points in the third quarter, including making five-of-five from three-point range.
It was the fourth 25-point quarter in Booker's career, tied with Kobe Bryant for second most in the past 25 years.
Booker shot at 80 per cent from the field, making six-of-seven from three-point range, while he also added four rebounds and six assists before sitting out most of the final quarter.
It marked Booker's fourth career 50-point game, which is the most in franchise history.
"It felt like a double-sized rim out there," Booker said. "If I rise up, it's going in."
Devin Booker continued his hot scoring run with a season-high 51 points in only 31 minutes as the Phoenix Suns won 132-113 over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.
Booker, who scored 44 points against the Sacramento Kings on Monday, added 26 of his 51 points in the third quarter, including making five-of-five from three-point range.
It was the fourth 25-point quarter in Booker's career, tied with Kobe Bryant for second most in the past 25 years.
Booker shot at 80 per cent from the field, making six-of-seven from three-point range, while he also added four rebounds and six assists before sitting out most of the final quarter.
It marked Booker's fourth career 50-point game, which is the most in franchise history.
Suns center Deandre Ayton contributed 30 points with 14 rebounds and two blocks as Phoenix improved to 15-6.
The Bulls fall to 9-12, with DeMar DeRozan top scoring with 29 points with seven rebounds.
Tatum stars in front of royals with 49-point haul
Jayson Tatum scored a season-high 49 points as the Boston Celtics maintained their perfect home record in November with a 134-121 victory over the Miami Heat.
The Celtics small forward scored 28 of his points in the first half, which is the most in any half this season, while he also had 11 rebounds, three assists and two assists. Jaylen Brown added 26 points with seven rebounds in a game attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales, who sat courtside.
Tatum brought up his fifth 45-point game, which is second behind Larry Bird (19) in Celtics history, having moved ahead of Paul Pierce (four).
Hot Nets above .500 for first time this season
The Brooklyn Nets claimed their fifth straight home win as Kevin Durant scored 39 points in a 113-107 victory over the Washington Wizards.
Durant managed a game-high 39 points on 13-of-20 shooting with five rebounds and five assists, while Kyrie Irving added 15 of his 27 points in the final quarter.
The win improved the Nets to 12-11, moving above .500 for the first time this season on the back of three straight wins.
Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers will keep an "open mind" to the Green Bay Packers shutting him down this season.
Rodgers picked up a rib injury in Sunday's 40-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and has been playing with a broken thumb on his throwing arm.
The Packers are third in the NFC North with a 4-8 record and given Rodgers' injuries, there has been talk of shutting him down for the season to recover and give young backup Jordan Love an opportunity.
Rodgers and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur have dismissed that notion this week with the quarterback determined to face the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
But the 38-year-old offered a hint that he may be open to consider being shut down in the right circumstances, when speaking to reporters on Wednesday.
"I'd love to finish the season out, but I understand this is a business and there's a lot of us kind of older guys who play a decent amount and they might want to see some younger guys play," Rodgers said.
"Hopefully we don't have to have that conversation. But if that conversation comes up, I'll approach that with an open mind and without any bitterness or resentment.
"Obviously, I want to win out and we don't have to have those conversations. I understand if we don't that's a possibility to have that conversation."
Rodgers was dismissive when asked about the benefit of being shut down with a view to next season.
"That's an assumption that this place won't look any different next year," Rodgers said. "Again, that's part of the conversation."
When asked why he wants to keep playing, Rodgers said: "Pride for one. Love of the game. They're paying me to play. A lot of different issues but I love to compete and want to be out there with my guys."
Rodgers has thrown 21 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 12 starts this season, with a 64.8 per cent completion rate. His nine interceptions are his most in a season since 2010.
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