Lionel Messi

Argentina's Lionel Messi, still only 25, has been named the world's best player for an unprecedented fourth year running.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi set a record for goals scored in a calendar year of 86 when he netted his second in a La Liga game at Real Betis, beating Gerd Mueller's 40-year-old record of 85.

An heroic Chelsea survived the dismissal of captain John Terry and a Lionel Messi missed penalty to eliminate holders Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate and secure a place in the Champions League final after an action-packed clash.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are locked in a personal duel for European scoring records that is carrying Barcelona and Real Madrid toward a tantalizing finale in the fight for the Spanish league title.

Lionel Messi scored twice from the penalty spot to help put holders Barcelona into the Champions League semifinals after a thrilling 3-1 victory over AC Milan at the Nou Camp on Tuesday.

Two months ago, Pele was asked the same question many people are asking again now: Is Lionel Messi better than you were?

Lionel Messi became the first player to score five goals in a Champions League match when he achieved the feat against Bayer Leverkusen in Wednesday's round of 16 second leg matches.

Argentina and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, still only 24, has won the World Player of the Year award for the third time in a row.

Lionel Messi has won the inaugural UEFA Best Player in Europe award, finishing ahead of Barcelona team mate Xavi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Lionel Messi was not hurt after a youngster threw a punch at the Barcelona football star as he was leaving a restaurant.

Lionel Messi lit up an ill-tempered Champions League semifinal with two goals in the last 15 minutes to give Barcelona a 2-0 victory against short-handed Real Madrid.

Lionel Messi scored a last-minute penalty to give Argentina a dramatic 2-1 victory over Portugal while France maintained its renaissance under coach Laurent Blanc with a 1-0 win over five-time world champion Brazil today.

Lionel Messi has been chided by Argentina teammate Martin Palermo, who claims the Barcelona star lacks the leadership qualities that Diego Maradona had when he led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup soccer title.

A dispute surrounding Lionel Messi and his obligation to play for Barcelona in a friendly against a K-League All-Star team in South Korea ended with him making a 17-minute appearance and scoring two goals in Wednesday's 5-2 win.

Gonzalo Higuain scored a hat trick in Argentina's 4-1 win over South Korea at the World Cup, a result that put the South Americans on the brink of qualifying for the next round from Group B.

Diego Maradona says he would be happy if Lionel Messi surpasses him as a player, but the Barcelona forward has downplayed comparisons with the Argentine great.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi has deposed David Beckham to top France Football's list of the highest-paid players.