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Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene has defended his return to the Zambian national team for the July 2021 Cosafa Cup.

The 36-year-old custodian has said his return is not a bad move at all and added his achievements with the national before side should not entitle him to special treatment. 

"We must not take advantage of what we have done in the past with the national team. We acknowledge the respect that fans have for us. Personally, it is not a wrong call I made to come back to the national team, there is a reason why I came back," the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations winning goalkeeper told Faz media.

"One thing I can say is that it is not about Kennedy but about the country, even going forward, it will not be about me but about the country. The country comes first, that was the most important thing to honour the call-up."

Zambia will start the Cosdafa Cup title defence with a game against Lesotho on Thursday at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium and Mweene has called for sacrifice and focus despite the pressure defending champions always get.

 "It is a special one because we are here as defending champions, we have to show that we are defending champions," added the keeper.

"Some of us are used to playing under pressure, which is what a professional player must do, if you can not play under pressure, I do not know what you are doing in football. We always find comfort where there is no comfort.

"In the goalkeeping department, there are a lot of youngsters who have potential, and it is up to us as senior players and goalkeepers who are about to retire to encourage them and show them the way.

"It is not easy; you need to sacrifice a lot. Some of us can not just leave, we must see that there is someone or two. We need to groom two or three goalkeepers. It is not about Kennedy but the national team."

"There are no easy games these days because football has evolved a lot. For us, it is to take one game at a time. It is not easy, we just must focus and be disciplined and do what the coach wants. At the end of the day, we must play and win because we are the defending champions now. It will not come easily, but we have to work hard."

After playing Lesotho, Chipolopolo will face Eswatini on July 10.

Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane has lauded Kaizer Chiefs, stating they have "survived" difficult Caf Champions League matches and should be regarded as real soldiers and survivors.

The two teams will be playing each other in the final of the Champions League on July 17, and while the Red Devils will be targeting their 10th Champions League title, Amakhosi are aiming at getting their first one. 

"They suffered against Simba, they survived. They suffered in Morocco, they survived. They suffered, they got four against Wydad [Casablanca] at a neutral venue in the group stages, they survived. They got three at Simba, they survived," Mosimane told South Africa's Football Journalist Association in a virtual press conference.

"So this tenacity you have to give respect to it. They are survivors. I don’t know [whether] they can live in the desert. Because now I’m living in the desert, you start to understand how it came in and works.

"You can have a life in the desert.

"So those guys are real soldiers, survivors. I don’t know what you can call them. They get out of trouble like you never thought they’ll get out of trouble. They are like that. So that makes them special." 

 The 56-year-old has further hinted what he will be working on to ensure his team stand a good chance to successfully retain the continental crown.

"They are strong at set-pieces. They are strong, they have a good height. I mean [Eric] Mathoho and all those people, about five players are tall," Mosimane continued.  

"I was watching their game yesterday, watching their set-pieces yesterday... So that gives them an advantage of playing in the Champions League, crosses, and headers.

"They score a lot of headers, and that’s one of the things that also determine Champions League football.

"The rigidness of the midfield, the hard-working of Bernard Parker. The element of [Samir] Nurkovic, [Leonardo] Castro, and Mathoho at set-pieces.

"The rigidness of not giving much away at home, [they] don’t care if they have the ball or not, they can suffer in the match, no problem."

Al Ahly qualified for the final after eliminating Esperance de Tunis while Amakhosi made it to the final hurdle with victory over Wydad. 

Making an effort to keep a wantaway player is often seen as a fool’s errand, especially if there have been public comments from the subject regarding his future.

Serge Aurier is mostly misunderstood — in fairness his lengthy rap sheet doesn’t help — and his comments over wanting a move away from Tottenham Hotspur were either met with indifference or relief over the Ivory Coast captain's possible departure.

Given the possibilities that exist for the North London giants if the 28-year-old right-back departs, supporters won’t lose sleep if a sale eventually materialises.

“Everyone is aware that if I wanted to extend my deal at Tottenham, I would’ve done so already. I’m not going to do it in six months,” he told L’Equipe in May. “I’ve reached the end of a cycle and it’s time to look elsewhere.

"The two parties, Tottenham’s board and my agents, have agreed upon the conditions. We’ll see after that.

“I’ve never hidden my desire to return to Paris Saint-Germain one day. It’s the club of my heart, the one that I support, and I feel free to speak about it.”

A move to PSG is now uncertain, following Achraf Hakimi’s transfer to the Ligue 1 giants on Tuesday. Unless Mauricio Pochettino fancies a backup at right-back or right wing-back and the finances in transfer fee and player’s wage demands are right, a move to his old side seems impossible.

With Tottenham’s extended and seemingly unending managerial search finally over with Nuno Espirito Santo’s appointment, nearly three months after Jose Mourinho’s departure, the previous uncertainty surrounding incomings and outgoings should make way for transfer activity in the coming weeks.

While Harry Kane’s future offers the most intrigue, Spurs also need to consider the futures of other saleable assets in the squad.

With Aurier now entering his final year, the club has a decision to make: keep the right-back for the final 12 months of his contract or sell for a cut-price fee.

However, the prevailing obstacle remains: are there any takers for the Ivorian? The defender’s willingness to consider other clubs if PSG show no interest in bringing him back to Paris at least offers hope to last year’s beaten League Cup finalists.

“I don’t want people to think that I’m stuck on [PSG] and I’m not closing the door on anyone,” the West African stated, "but if the club were to make an offer this summer, it’s sure that PSG would be my first choice.”

Nuno’s team have been linked with moves for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Tariq Lamptey whose incisive ball-carrying and potential was witnessed in his debut campaign under Graham Potter. A move for highly rated Norwich City right-back Max Aarons has been mooted but either will depend on shifting Aurier or other fringe players in the squad.

If the 28-year-old is unable to secure a move away, the Lilywhites will be forced to get creative by selling another fringe member of the squad to buy another wide defender, although the sense in having three right-backs in the squad may discourage that approach.

The final option, possibly fans’ last resort, will be keeping Aurier and Matt Doherty to continue vying for a place in the side and then revisit the situation in 12 months when the Ivorian leaves on a free.

Given the Portuguese’s history at Wolves, there’s an expectation that Tottenham will switch to a three-man defence in 2021/22, although Nuno did try to play a back four at times in 20/21. While he’s also hinted that his approach may differ at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Doherty’s preference for right wing-back and the pair’s prior working relationship may prompt a shift to that system.

The Republic of Ireland international couldn’t deliver the strong performances that made Mourinho bring him to the club, and his replacement will now try to harness the 29-year-old’s characteristics in his best role and position.

Where this leaves Aurier remains to be seen, but the early months after Mourinho took over from Mauricio Pochettino saw the former Chelsea boss utilise the West African differently.

A noteworthy feature in Mourinho’s first Spurs game — a 3-2 win over West Ham United — was the Ivorian seemingly taking up higher positions in a front five with the ball, as the North London side looked to attack in a 3-2-5.

Aurier taking up adventurous positions became a theme of the club’s attack for the remainder of last season, ultimately leading to a goal and four assists in the league after the change in the dugout. Having set up only one strike up to Pochettino’s dismissal, the former PSG man was involved in five goals, taking his total goal contributions to six—his highest return for the club.

There was also that clutch showing in the dramatic comeback win over Olympiacos in the Champions League where the nominal right-back — operating as a wing-back and winger — did damage to the Greek side.

While he reckons he has reached the end of the line in North London, having Aurier play out the final season of his contract at Spurs may not be as bad an idea as it seems on the face of it.  

Paris Saint-Germain have announced that Sergio Ramos has joined them on a two-year contract, with the former Real Madrid defender preparing to take on a new adventure in France.

The World Cup-winning centre-half has committed to terms at Parc des Princes through to 2023 after leaving Santiago Bernabeu as a free agent.

He is now 35 years of age, but believes he still has plenty left in tank and will be looking to add to an enviable medal collection after linking up with Ligue 1 giants.

What has been said?

Ramos has told his new club's official website: "I am very happy to join Paris Saint-Germain.

"This is a big change in my life, a new challenge and it's a day I will never forget. 

"I am very proud to be a part of this ambitious project, to be a part of this squad with so many great players. 

"Paris Saint-Germain is a club that has already proven itself at the highest level. I want to continue to grow and improve at Paris and help the team to win as many trophies as possible."

PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi added: "Today, Paris welcomes one of the greatest players of our era. We are delighted to announce that Sergio Ramos has joined us.

"Sergio is a complete footballer, one of the best defenders in the history of the game. He is a born competitor, a leader and a true professional. 

"His vast experience and ambition is in perfect synergy with those of the club. 

"I am proud to see him in a Paris Saint-Germain jersey and I know our supporters will reserve a fantastic welcome for him."

Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane has stated he thought new Chippa United coach Gavin Hunt would be appointed Bafana Bafana tactician.

Mosimane picked out Hunt's coaching achievements as one of the reasons that placed him in a good position to manage the national team, but instead, Safa filled the position with Hugo Broos after Molefi Ntseki was let go for failing to qualify for the African Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon.

"But he [Hunt] has done very well – he gave Wits a title after 100 years. And he has done well. Look at the trophies he has won," Mosimane told South Africa's Football Journalists’ Association (Safja) in an interview.

"He came to Amakhosi – yes‚ it didn’t go well‚ of course. I thought he would be a Bafana coach‚ to be honest with you. I thought he’d be given a chance to coach Bafana.

"But I read a lot of your things [in the press] and people talking and saying that probably his philosophy, his way of playing doesn’t suit the way Bafana play.

"But I don’t know whether we need the way Bafana play or we need to win." 

There has been suggestions that the pragmatic style Hunt incorporates in the teams he has coached goes against how Safa wants Bafana Bafana to play.

Mosimane, though, played down such talk, citing the example of Hunt's successor at Kaizer Chiefs, Stuart Baxter, who was twice appointed as the Bafana boss despite his tendency to set up his teams in a defensive manner.

"I don’t know what his philosophy is‚ and I don’t know what [Stuart] Baxter’s philosophy is. If we say Gavin doesn’t have the right philosophy‚ so why did Baxter leave [South Africa] twice and come for a third time if he didn’t have the right philosophy?" asked Mosimane.

"That’s not for me to comment, to be honest. I’m speaking about Gavin and no coach has won titles like him.”

Explaining how life is in Egypt, the PSL winner also claimed that Hunt can coach in North Africa: "I believe coach Gavin can coach in North Africa, no doubt about. But he opted for Chippa, that's his life.

"North Africa, the life here is not playing golf and all that, there's no life, forget about it," continued Mosimane.

"I can't go to a shopping mall, I've been there once in nine months and I was escorted by three bodyguards because the people look at football differently.

"Imagine having supporters that exceed the population of South Africa, 70-million, there's no space, you can't move. It's crazy. But I think Hunt can come here."

Hunt was appointed head coach Chippa United on Wednesday, who have had 13 coaches in the last five years and retained top-tier status through the play-offs in June.

Gareth Southgate has explained his decision to sub Jack Grealish on and off in England's Euro 2020 semi-final win over Denmark.

The Aston Villa playmaker has become a fan favourite, with calls for him to be handed a more prominent role in the Three Lions' plans intensifying with each passing game.

He has, however, started just one fixture at this summer's European Championship and was denied the chance to see out the 2-1 victory over the Danes on Wednesday as, having been introduced in the 69th minute, he was hauled off shortly after Harry Kane slotted home the rebound to his missed penalty in extra-time.

What has been said?

Justifying that tactical call, England boss Southgate told talkSPORT: "Jack had a brilliant influence on the game.

"Denmark threw four forwards forward and we needed five [defenders] back. Raheem [Sterling] was such a threat that it was either going to be Phil [Foden] or Jack to get the solidity without the ball.

"We still needed to get that pressure up the pitch. We sank a little bit too deep for five minutes or so. We just needed to keep the ball and it took us five minutes to work that out. When we started to keep it, we were running the clock down with a lot less anxiety."

Grealish made way for Kieran Trippier as Southgate threw on an Atletico Madrid right-back to keep the back door bolted.

Grealish's reaction

The 25-year-old midfielder looked understandably disappointed at the time to see his number held up.

Southgate has, however, united his squad and the Villa captain was happy to revel in historic achievements afterwards as England celebrated reaching a first major final since 1966.

He said on social media: "I love this team!! What a night at Wembley!"

The bigger picture

England will now face Italy in Sunday's Euro 2020 final, with the Three Lions looking to end 55 years of hurt.

Southgate is aware that his job is not done yet, but he is proud to have delivered on expectations and given the country coming to shout about.

He said: "We said we wanted to create memories for our nation, now we've got to finish the job. Finals are there to be won, we've got to regroup, repair and recover because tonight has taken a lot emotionally and physically.

"I think Denmark had only lost four matches out of 30-odd games; Italy's record is even better than that. They have been a top team for the last couple of years, we've followed their progress closely, we know the way they play, with great energy and style.

"They are, as always, difficult to score goals against, and without doubt deserve to be in the final, having beaten two top teams to get there in Belgium and Spain.

"So it's the biggest possible test we can have. We have a day less to recover but we've got to prepare from now. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to take them on."

Further reading

Tusker head coach Robert Matano has explained how matches against the top sides in the Football Kenya Federation can prepare them for the Caf Champions League in the 2021/22 season.

The Brewers earned the right to represent Kenya in the Champions League after they emerged top of the Premier League table on June 30.

The FKF made the decision to name Kenya's Champions League representative before the league concluded in order to beat the Caf deadline, even though it was later extended.

Tusker will play Gor Mahia on Thursday before engaging KCB and AFC Leopards in the next ties and Matano has stated it is such games that will help the 2016 Premier League champions compete well in the continental games.

What has been said

"If we want to play and do well in the Champions League, we have to test ourselves against teams that have been there before. This [Gor Mahia match] will be a good game for us to look at where we are and what we need to do more," Matano told the club's website.

"These games will be all about mental strength and the physical condition of the players. We must be okay in all those. We also need to be very organized as a team because these are cruel matches and we must handle the situation well."

Matano also spoke about the readiness of his players and said they will exploit Gor Mahia's weaknesses in the mid-week clash as they hope to consolidate their position at the top of the table.

"I am happy because I have players who can handle these games and also dictate terms. We know how they are; their strengths and weaknesses and we will prepare accordingly to win," he concluded.

Shifting Focus

On his part, midfielder Hashim Sempala said they have to focus away from the Champions League qualification and set their eyes on winning the league.

"This was just one of our targets this season and it has come early. But that does not mean that the work is done. We still have a lot to do, we still have the trophy to fight for. This is now behind us and the focus now is on the games that remain," the Ugandan star said.

"I am very happy because of the work we have done as a team. After losing twice in a row, we had to come back and work harder because everyone knew that we wanted to do something special and come out with good results.

"This is a good achievement for the team and has been our ambition since we started the league; to play in the Champions League. Through the commitment and effort of the players, we have made it and this is something special for us."

Tusker earned a return ticket to the continental competition after Gor Mahia have been Kenya's representatives in the last four seasons.

It has not come home yet, but football may be heading in that direction after England edged out Denmark in a thrilling Euro 2020 semi-final at Wembley on Wednesday to spark scenes of wild celebration across the country.

Gareth Southgate, the England manager who, as a player, suffered penalty shootout agony against Germany in 1996, has become the first coach since Sir Alf Ramsey in 1966 to book a final berth for the Three Lions at a major international tournament.

England did, as is customary, do things the hard way against a dogged Danish outfit but, after falling behind to a Mikkel Damsgaard free-kick, battled bravely to prevail 2-1 after 120 breathless minutes courtesy of an own goal from Simon Kjaer and Harry Kane's goal following Kasper Schmeichel's penalty save.

How the fans reacted

There were 60,000 supporters in attendance as England made history on home soil, with the vast majority of those getting behind the men in white to generate a spine-tingling atmosphere.

It was not just those at the stadium that enjoyed themselves, though, with a long-awaited party lasting long into the night from Cumbria to Cornwall.

Some celebrity followers also got in on the act, with the exploits of Southgate's side capturing the imagination of a success-starved nation.

How the players reacted

There were 15 players that saw game time against Denmark, but England's success has been built around squad unity and collective spirit, with a 26-man party all pulling together.

They are now one game against in-form Italy away from cementing a standing as national heroes and landing a first European Championship crown for the Three Lions.

Southgate will not allow them to get carried away, with the job not done yet, but everyone was entitled to enjoy themselves on Wednesday evening.

Further reading

Gor Mahia midfielder Kenneth Muguna has stated the defending Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions are determined to defeat leaders Tusker FC and go all the way to winning the title again.

The two Kenyan heavyweights are scheduled to clash on Thursday afternoon at Ruaraka Grounds. K'Ogalo lost the last meeting between the two sides 2-1 and will be aiming to avenge the loss.

The win for the defending champions will further reduce the gap between them and the leaders to just five points but if they lose the match, the gap will be 11 points.

Why is Muguna optimistic about winning the match?

⁠"I know Tusker have a very good team. It is going to be a difficult match but we are determined and are motivated to ensure that we win," the 2016 league's Most Valuable Player told BetKing Kenya.

"⁠Everyone is focused and they know just how important that game is. Not just Tusker but we also have KCB and AFC Leopards in front of us and we have to maintain that small gap between us and them.

"That is a very crucial game for us because we need to ensure that the gap between us and the teams ahead of us is cut down." 

Will Gor Mahia win the league?

"We are still confident we have what it takes to win the [FKF] Premier League title," Muguna continued.

"The distance is not that big and we just need to continue doing what we have been doing well. We take each game at a time until the season ends." 

Meanwhile, Tanzania giants Yanga SC have confirmed their interest to sign the midfielder from K'Ogalo.

Goal can exclusively reveal the Jangwani giants have already approached the player and his representatives over a possible move ahead of the new Mainland Premier League season.

A source in the club, who did not want to be named, told Goal: "We are keenly following Kenneth [Muguna] and what I can tell you is that we have already made contact.

"I cannot give further details on the transfer but it is good to know we have talked to the player and his agent and soon we will make a big announcement.

"We are working as per the list given out by the technical bench and already we have engaged very many players and it looks positive, we don’t want to sign players without the consent of the bench."

Yanga SC head coach Nasredinne Nabi has explained how he came up with tactics that helped them beat Tanzania Mainland Premier League champions Simba SC 1-0 on Saturday.
 
The Tunisian coach revealed he watched Simba's previous games, especially the one against Al Merrikh in the Champions League, and drilled his players on how to execute a counter-strategy against Wekundu wa Msimbazi.

One of the key areas Nabi said Yanga had to work on was their rivals' ability to use their full-backs Shomari Kapombe and Mohamed Hussein in engineering dangerous attacking moves.
 
"I looked back at some of their games and analysed how we could tackle them. I took my players through a tactical system that helped them train to counter Simba's move," Nabi told Mwanaspoti.

"Practically, we managed to employ what we trained on and we got an early goal even though we missed a number of chances, including one open opportunity that Yacouba Songne failed to score from.

"I have never talked to Didier Gomes Dar Rosa but he is a coach that I have come to analyse and understand his tactics.
 
"I told my players to be aggressive, especially in recovering the ball, because Simba always struggle against a team that is aggressive.

"We were aggressive and whenever we lost the ball we ensured we recovered it quickly and this completely worked against Simba because they are a team that can not handle such kind of pressure.
 
"I also warned my players not to leave spaces that Simba could end up exploiting to their advantage. We had to maintain our solidity in order to deny the opponents that space where they can weave passes through and end up harming us.
 
"I also noticed that Simba usually use Kapombe and Hussein to launch attacks from their respective full-back positions and I came up with a concrete plan to make sure they were not going to successfully execute that."
 
The Kariakoo clubs will meet again on July 25 during the Federation Cup final in Kigoma. This will be the second consecutive final in which Simba and Yanga are facing each other after the Mapinduzi Cup tie which Timu ya Wannachi ended up winning on post-match penalties in January.

England scripted history by beating Denmark in the semifinal of Euro 2020 as they reached the final of a major international competition for the first time in 55 years.

The last time the Three Lions reached a final was back in 1966 in the World Cup which they won beating rivals Germany 1-0.

An own goal by Danish skipper Simon Kjaer and an extra-time penalty strike from English captain Harry Kane sealed the fate of the match in England's favour. Mikkel Damsgaard had earlied handed Denmark the lead.

Gareth Southgate's side will now face Italy in the final at Wembley in a bid to win their first Euro title.

As the English football team reached the final of Euro 2020, several England cricketers expressed their feelings. Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan lauded Harry Kane's performance as the Tottenham Hotspur striker led the team from the front and guided them to a historic final.

What did Michael Vaughan say about England reaching Euro 2020 final?

In a series of tweets, Vaughan showed his support for the national team. He wrote, "This England team are very very likeable. All seem like high-class individuals led by a proper guy in Gareth but now it’s all about winning whichever way it takes. I really don’t care which way. Just WIN."

"Harry Kane ….. Outstanding"

"Bloody love this country"

Wembley was bouncing, as was Jason Roy

Sam Billings reacts to England's win

Gavin Hunt's appointment as head coach of Premier Soccer League side Chippa United has elicited mixed reactions from the online community.

The 56-year-old tactician landed the Chippa United job after he was sacked by Kaizer Chiefs after a poor season in the PSL. Although the Glamour Boys finished eighth in the local league, Hunt surprisingly managed to lead them to the semi-finals of the Caf Champions League.

The tactician has been appointed in the place of Lehlohonolo Seema, who left after he helped the club remain in the top-flight through the play-offs.

Hunt is the longest-serving manager within the South African league and has won numerous individual and team awards, but some fans believe he will not stay long at his new workstation.

This is because Chilli Boys owner Chippa Mpengesi is renowned for not having patience with underperforming coaches, and is not afraid to replace the manager of his team.

Hunt's major achievements came in 2008, 2009 and in 2010, when he helped SuperSport United win the PSL title in three consecutive seasons.

He also won the PSL trophy with Bidvest Wits - his latest league achievement - in the 2016/17 season as well as the Telkom Knockout Cup and MTN 8 trophies with the Clever Boys.

His first major trophy was the Absa Cup with Moroka Swallows in 2004.

How Twitter reacted to Hunt's appointment:

Harry Kane sent England into uncharted waters on Wednesday when he scored to propel England past Denmark into the Euro 2020 final.

His effort from the rebound off his initially-saved penalty in extra-time to send his country into their first ever European Championship final. It was also England's first-ever major tournament final after the 1966 World Cup final. 

Kane tied Gary Lineker's record for the most combined England goals at European Championships and World Cups, but his extra-time winner against Denmark came with huge controversy. It was Raheem Sterling who initially won the penalty which sparked the controversy.

How did Sterling win the penalty?

Sterling dashed through Denmark's defence in the first-half of extra time, twisting past a couple of defenders. However, he appeared to go down under a challenge from Joakim Maehle and the referee promptly pointed to the penalty spot. 

VAR, understandably, had a look at the incident and upheld the decision much to the furore of the Danish defenders. Kane promptly stepped up for the spot-kick but had to convert the rebund after Kasper Schmeichel saved his initial effort.

What was the controversy behind Sterling's penalty?

Though Sterling has after the match claimed that he felt a contact, the replays showed if there was one, it was extremely minimal. The Manchester City forward appeared to be falling down even before Maehle had tried to challenge him. 

Surprisingly, VAR did not ask the referee to come and look at the monitor to make his mind up and that caused considerable confusion among fans and pundits alike. 

Many leading experts, including former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and current AS Roma boss Jose Mourinho have stated that it was not a penalty at all while numerous fans stated that Sterling dived. Understandably, the incident also gave rise to trolls. 

However, the controversy did not stop at that. 

Were there two balls on the field during Sterling's penalty win?

While the main point of debate was around the merit of the penalty, there was also controversy over the fact that there were two balls on the field in the build-up to the penalty.

While Sterling dribbled his way into the box from the right wing, there was another ball lying inside the playing field which further caused furore among fans. 

While the FIFA rule states that if the second ball (or stray ball) was not interfering with the play, the referee is not bound to stop the game. However, fans took to social media to debate the same and some felt that the ball was interfering with the move.

Lionel Messi has been the star performer for Argentina in the ongoing Copa America 2021 with four goals and five assists already to his name.

The former FC Barcelona captain has been directly involved in nine out of the 11 goals La Albiceleste has scored so far in the tournament. Out of the four goals he scored, two came from free-kicks. He also appeared in his 150th international match for Argentina in the semifinal against Colombia on Wednesday morning.

The superstar has created a few records in the ongoing tournament like becoming the most capped Argentine player of all time and he is in line to create a few more records in the final of the tournament. 

First, let's take a look at all records Messi has broken already in this tournament.

What are the records Messi has already broken at the Copa America?

1) Most appearances for Argentina

In the ongoing Copa America, Lionel Messi surpassed his former FC Barcelona and Argentina teammate Javier Mascherano's tally of most appearances for La Albiceleste (147). At the beginning of the competition, Messi had 144 international caps to his name and after Argentina's final group stage match against Bolivia, the superstar became the most-capped Argentine player of all time. He currently has 150 international caps.

2) First Argentine to feature at six Copa Americas

With his participation at the Copa America 2021, Lionel Messi became the first Argentina international to play in six editions of the tournament (2007-2021). The Barcelona skipper surpassed Javier Mascherano's record of playing in five Copa Americas.

3) Most assists provided in a single tournament

With five assists in six matches in the ongoing Copa America 2021, Lionel Messi scripted the record of providing the most number of assists in one edition of Copa America.

What are the records Messi can break or touch in the Copa America 2021 final?

1) Joint-most appearances in Copa America

With an appearance in the final of the Copa America 2021 against Brazil, Messi will touch Chile's Sergio Livingstone's record of playing 34 matches in the tournament. Before the start of the tournament, the Barcelona legend had 27 appearances, one more than Mascherano.

2) Most goals in Copa America

With four goals in six matches in the ongoing Copa America 2021, Messi has scored 13 goals in six editions of the tournament. He is four goals short of touching Zizinho (Brazil) and Norberto Mendez's (Argentina) tally of 17 goals, the most by any player in the competition.

Paris Saint-Germain new signing Achraf Hakimi met with Mauricio Pochettino on his first day after completing a permanent move to the Ligue 1 giants.

Hakimi joined the Parisians on a five-year deal from Inter Milan on Tuesday and he has immediately started training.

Going by a video on PSG’s social page, the two-time Caf Young Player of the Year was welcomed to the Camp des Loges by Ander Herrera and some first-team players.

The 22-year-old is PSG's third summer signing after Georginio Wijnaldum who moved on a free transfer from Liverpool and Danilo Pereira's permanent switch from Porto.

Shortly after his arrival, Hakimi took to the stationary exercise bike to do some workouts.

He will be expected to boost PSG’s quest for the 2021-22 Ligue 1 title after they finished second in the league last season and they exited the Champions League in the semi-final stage.

Hakimi told the club’s website: I am a defender, with the soul of a striker! I like to make my contribution to the offensive edifice, to be in the attack, and I think that here there are great players who can help me on this aspect.

“And of course, I too can help the team achieve its goals. I have to help the team with my qualities and make them available to the team. The goal is to achieve together all the objectives of the club. Defensively, I can play at 3, 5, 4, 2. Everything the coach needs! I am at his disposal and that of the team.

“I'm happy to be here, I'm looking forward to taking a new step, starting the job and meeting my teammates. I want to do great things here.

“First of all, I have a good image of France. PSG, then, is a great club that has shown it in recent years, with constant progression.

“For my part, I want to continue to build great things to reach the highest level. Here it is possible."

Hakimi will also join PSG for their pre-season training programme before their  fixture against Lille on July 31, followed by the 2021-22 league opening match against Troyes on August 7.

Gareth Southgate has jokingly told two of his young players that reaching the final of a major tournament, as England did on Wednesday, is not normally what happens for the Three Lions.

England reached their first major final in 55 years by defeating Denmark 2-1 after extra time at Wembley, with Harry Kane's controversial winner booking a spot against Italy in the final on Sunday.

The victory helped banish some painful semi-final memories for England, including a loss to Germany at Euro 96 and defeat to Croatia at World Cup 2018.

What was said?

"I've just had to tell [Bukayo] Saka and [Jude] Bellingham it doesn't normally work like this!" Southgate told ITV of his teenage duo.

"I’m so proud of the players. It’s an incredible occasion to be a part of, the fans were incredible all night. It wasn’t going to be straightforward. The game the other night in Rome was, but we told the players that they would have to show resilience and come back from some setbacks, and we did that tonight.

"When you have waited as long as we have to get through a semi-final, given the limited amount of international experience some of the players have, they have done an incredible job.

"The most pleasing thing is that we’ve given our fans and nation a fantastic night, and the journey carries on for another four days. For the team to come through this sort of a night, we suffered in Moscow on a night like this [against Croatia in 2018], we managed to put that right.”

“We’re in a final, we’ve got to enjoy that fact, but there is one more massive hurdle to try and conquer. Italy are a very good side, they have really shown outstanding form, have defensive warriors at the back, it’s going to be a great game to look forward to."

What's next for England?

With Wednesday's win, England are into their first major final since the 1966 World Cup, which they won on home soil by defeating West Germany.

England will also be at home for the Euro 2020 final, as they will face Italy at Wembley on Sunday.

The Italians booked their place in the final by overcoming Spain in a penalty shootout in their semi-final on Tuesday.

Further reading

Manchester United youngster Shola Shoretire said he is trying to play a similar pattern like Ronaldinho and Barcelona captain Lionel Messi.

Shoretire was promoted to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team earlier thus year and he made three competitive appearances for the Old Trafford outfit before the end of the 2020-21 season. 

The 17-year-old disclosed his admiration for the Barcelona legends started at a tender age. Ronaldinho was renowned for his creativity and tricks during his while Messi is a six-time Ballon d'Or winner who has the Blaugrana dominate Spanish football and Europe over the years.

Shoretire, a Newcastle United Academy graduate also revealed that Alan Shearer's feat at the club motivated him to begin his career at St James' Park.

"I was very young when I was in Newcastle.But the people that I looked up to were my favourite players, Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho," Shoretire told the club's website.

"I think I have tried to make my game like theirs, quite technical and a good all-round player.

“But then I think, playing for Newcastle, a bit before my time, but Alan Shearer.

"He is the legend up there in Newcastle for what he’s done for the club. Hearing his stories and the history of the club, that is what got me into playing football in Newcastle.” 

Shoretire made his Premier League debut as an 89th-minute substitute for Marcus Rashford in United's 3-1 victory over Newcastle United on February 21.

The Magpies Academy graduate recalled the experience against his former club, even though he started on the bench. 

"It was an unbelievable feeling. Sitting on the bench and just being part of the squad," he said. "Then when I was called to come onto the pitch, nothing going through my head. I didn’t know what to think. 

"To get my first game against Newcastle, it meant a lot to me because of the journey I have had from Newcastle to Manchester. To be playing against them was really good.”