Joba Ogunwale

<p>Arsenal missed the chance to extend their lead over Manchester City after they played out a goalless draw in their Premier League clash against Newcastle at the Emirates on Tuesday night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Going into the game, Arsenal had the chance to extend their lead at the top to ten points after City dropped points at the weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the Gunners could not find a way past a resilient Newcastle side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Having defeated Brighton last time out, Arsenal started the game on the front foot, dominating possession as expected. However, despite firing seven shots, Mikel Arteta's men tested Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope just once.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The second half followed a similar pattern, with Arsenal having 70% of the possession. The home side did raise their tempo, with Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka coming close. However, Pope came to Newcastle's rescue once again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moments later, the Gunners had penalty shouts after Granit Xhaka's ball caught the arm of a Newcastle defender, but the referee waived away their appeals, much to the disgust of the Switzerland captain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Arsenal piled on the pressure in the final stages of the match, but Newcastle were resilient in defence, holding out for a valuable point away from home.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The points are shared at Emirates Stadium. <a href="https://t.co/nTco7asRu2">pic.twitter.com/nTco7asRu2</a></p>&mdash; Arsenal (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1610390533398204416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The result means the Magpies stay in contention for a Champions League spot. Howe's men maintain their third position on the table, although they are now level on points with Manchester United, who beat Bournemouth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Arsenal extended their lead over City to eight points, but the champions could claw it back to five points if they beat Chelsea on Thursday.</p>

Arsenal struggled to break down a resilient Newcastle side

The Gunners dropped points in their clash against Eddie Howe's men on Tuesday night.

Arsenal miss the chance to extend lead over Manchester City

Super Eagles

<p>Super Eagles star Emmanuel Dennis is facing an early exit at Nottingham Forest, just six months after signing for the newly-promoted Premier League side.</p>

<p>Dennis joined Forest from Watford in August for a fee in the region of €14.80m. The Nigerian international signed a four-year deal with Steve Cooper's men.</p>

<h3>Dennis' disappointing start to life at Forest</h3>

<p>However, six months into his deal, Dennis could be on his way out of City ground. According to multiple reports, Forest are looking to cash in on the 25-year-old after a disappointing start to his career at City Ground.</p>

Dennis has just one league goal in ten appearances for Forest

<p>Dennis has played just 369 minutes of Premier League football across ten games since he joined Forest. In the ten games, the Super Eagles star has scored just one goal and provided just one assist.</p>

<p>Dennis' attitude has also been questioned again after his performance in the 3-0 loss to Manchester United allegedly infuriated one of Forest's coaching staff.</p>

<h3>Forest and Dennis face a huge challenge</h3>

<p>The display appeared to be the last straw, with Forest ready to sell the Nigerian. However, The Reds face a challenge in their quest as Dennis cannot play for another English club this season, having played for Watford before moving to City Ground.</p>

Dennis faces Nottingham Forest exit but FIFA rules could prevent him from leaving

<p>According to FIFA rules, players cannot play for more than two clubs this season, which puts Dennis' potential departure in doubt.</p>

<p>However, according to the <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/01/02/exclusive-emmanuel-dennis-facing-nottingham-forest-axe-five/">Daily Telegraph</a>, Dennis could move abroad, while a move back to Watford is also another solution.</p>

<p>The news is another potential blow for Dennis, who has found it hard to settle down at every club he has played for in his career.</p>

Emmanuel Dennis is set to leave Nottingham Forest this month

The Tricky Trees are set to offload one of their Nigerian imports just six months after he joined them.

Super Eagles star set for Nottingham Forest exit but faces a huge challenge

<p>Argentina's World Cup-winning captain Lionel Messi is set to renew his rivalry with his old foe, Cristiano Ronaldo, in the first quarter of this year</p>

<p>Messi has been in an age-long rivalry with Ronaldo, dating back to 2007, when they first met. The two players have had some great battles, mostly at club level.</p>

<h3>Messi vs Ronaldo's rivalry&nbsp;</h3>

<p>They faced each other numerous times during their time together in Spain. While Messi played for Barcelona, Ronaldo played for rivals Real Madrid.&nbsp;Messi holds the edge, with 16 wins to Ronaldo's 11</p>

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will face each other on the pitch later this month

<p>The two also faced each other after Ronaldo moved to Juventus in a Champions League clash in December 2020.</p>

<p>However, since then, they have not faced each other, with their paths not crossing. Messi had since left Barcelona for Paris Saint Germain (PSG), while Ronaldo had left for Manchester United before terminating his contract.</p>

<h3>One Last Dance for Messi and Ronaldo</h3>

<p>It looked like their paths would not cross again, but Ronaldo's latest move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr has set up a potential final meeting between the two players who defined the modern era of the beautiful game.</p>

<p>Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr this month after signing the most expensive deal in football history, could face Messi one final time when PSG come to Saudi Arabia.</p>

Ronaldo's new club Al-Nassr will face PSG in a friendly later this month.

<p>According to <a href="https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2023/psg-to-face-al-nassr-in-friendly-this-month/">RMC, as per GFFN</a>, Christophe Galtier's men are set to face Al-Nassr as part of their mid-season tour of Saudi Arabia.</p>

<p>Although the meeting should have taken place last year, it was postponed to this year due to Covid-19 reasons. It is now being reported that the match will take place this month, although a date has not been fixed.</p>

<p>However, it is likely to come towards the end of the month as PSG still have three games to play before they embark on their mid-season tour.</p>

<p>Both Messi and Ronaldo are yet to play a match for their respective clubs since the World Cup, with the former still celebrating his crowning moment, which saw him win the World Cup.</p>

<p>However, Messi is expected back in Paris, while Ronaldo will be unveiled by Al-Nassr today, meaning they are set for one last dance later this month.</p>

Ronaldo and Messi are set to clash one last time

The two players are set to continue their age-long rivalry despite their different paths.

Messi and Ronaldo set to face each other again

<p>Super Eagles invitee Mathew Yakubu started the new year on a celebratory note after he became a father just before the close of 2022.</p>

<p>Yakubu, who got married in September 2022, took to his Instagram page to announce he has become the father of twins. </p>

<p>The former Flying Eagles goalkeeper posted a picture of his two newborns and his wife with the caption: Truly blessed, GOD be praise and welcome to the family.</p>

<p>The birth of his twins comes just four months after he married his Slovakian wife. The two lovebirds got married in a church ceremony that had a few family and friends.</p>

<h3><strong>Yakubu in Slovakia </strong></h3>

<p>Although the details concerning his wife remain unknown, they met after Yakubu moved to Slovakia. The 23-year-old joined SFK Sered. He joined the Slovakian club from Clique Sports in 2019, although he had a frustrating time at the club.</p>

<p>Yakubu only played 39 games for the side before leaving last year. The former Flying Eagles goalkeeper played 25 times in the league, conceding 40 times. </p>

<p>He also made another nine appearances in Cup competitions, conceding nine goals and keeping three clean sheets. </p>

<p>The 23-year-old's performances in these games earned him a first call-up to the Super Eagles squad for the friendlies against Tunisia and Algeria in 2020.</p>

<p>However, he never got the chance to make his debut. Yakubu will now hope to find a new club this year as he aims to get his career back on track.</p>

The 23-year-old is a father just four months after marrying his Slovakian fiancé.

Super Eagles youngster Mathew Yakubu welcomes twins with his Slovakian wife

<p>Super Eagles hopeful Chuba Akpom has put himself on Jose Peseiro's watch after scoring a hat-trick for Middlesbrough in their 4-1 win over Wigan in the Skybet Championship on Monday afternoon.</p>

<p>Akpom has been brilliant in front of goal for Boro this season, and he continued in the same vein against the Latics at the Riverside Stadium.</p>

<p>Boro, who are managed by ex-Manchester United star Michael Carrick, took the lead in the 24th minute through Marcus Forss.</p>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A good contest which <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Boro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Boro</a> lead courtesy of <a href="https://twitter.com/mforss_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mforss_</a> 👆 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UTB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UTB</a> <a href="https://t.co/S6IxHXsAT2">pic.twitter.com/S6IxHXsAT2</a></p>&mdash; Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) <a href="https://twitter.com/Boro/status/1607403158812385280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Forss' goal sent Boro into half-time with a one-goal lead. But they did not wait long before doubling their advantage following the restart as Akpom opened his show in the 49th minute.</p>

<h3><strong>Welcome to the Chuba Akpom Show</strong></h3>

<p>The 27-year-old fired home emphatically following a low cross from Hackney Haden. Akpom then scored his second and Boro's third ten minutes later with a brilliant strike into the top corner.</p>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A Boxing Day hat-trick for <a href="https://twitter.com/cakpom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cakpom</a> 🎩⚽️<br><br>Just look at that celeb 😁<a href="https://twitter.com/Boro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Boro</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/EFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EFL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyBetChamp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SkyBetChamp</a> <a href="https://t.co/BNPMZFmVaz">pic.twitter.com/BNPMZFmVaz</a></p>&mdash; ITV Football (@itvfootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/itvfootball/status/1607459440424271872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Wigan pulled one back in the 62nd minute through Thelo Aasgaard to ignite faint hopes of a possible comeback.</p>

<p>However, there was to be no comeback as Akpom completed his hat-trick in added time of the 90th minute to give Middlesbrough a 4-1 win.</p>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wow …. Boxing day hat-trick⚽️⚽️⚽️🎩<br>Thanks to my teammate’s and all the fans for the support. Merry Christmas ♥️🌲 <a href="https://twitter.com/Boro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Boro</a> <a href="https://t.co/9jgWI9xf5t">pic.twitter.com/9jgWI9xf5t</a></p>&mdash; Chuba Akpom (@cakpom) <a href="https://twitter.com/cakpom/status/1607453288785494019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The hat-trick takes Akpom's tally to 12 in 17 league games for Boro this season. It also strengthens his case for a Super Eagles call-up after expressing his desire to represent Nigeria at international level.</p>

<p>Although Akpom was born in England, he is eligible to play for Nigeria through his parents. The 27-year-old has represented The Three Lions at youth level, but he is yet to play a game for England at international level.</p>

<p>And having expressed his intention to play for Nigeria, Akpom could force his way into Peseiro's plans if he continues with his good form.</p>

Chuba Akpom came through the ranks at Arsenal

The Boro left no prisoners as they handed Kolo Toure's men a football lesson, courtesy of a superb performance from their Nigerian import.

Ex-Arsenal star strengthens claim for a Super Eagles call-up with a hat-trick for Middlesbrough

<p>There have been some standout performances from African strikers in the year 2022. From Mohamed Salah to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, these players have been brilliant in front of goal for both club and country this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From the Africa Cup of Nations to league football, we have seen some great African finishers this year. For that reason, Pulse Sports ranks the top ten African strikers of 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nb: This ranking is based on the number of goals they scored for club and country, so it is not limited to the traditional number nine alone.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Eric Choupo-Moting (Cameroon and Bayern Munich)-12 goals</h3>

<p>In tenth place is Bayern Munich and Cameroon star Erick Choupo-Moting. Moting has ten goals for both club and country this year.&nbsp;</p>

Eric Choupo-Moting in Bayern Munich's colours

<p>Nine of those goals came in the 28 appearances for Bayern Munich despite playing mostly as a substitute for the Bavaria giants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former Paris Saint Germain (PSG) star featured for Cameroon at the AFCON and the World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although he failed to score in the African competition, Moting was on target for the Indomitable Lions' thrilling 3-3 draw against Serbia at the just-concluded Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Serhou Guirassy (Guinea and VFB Stuttgart)-13 goals</h3>

<p>Guinea's striker Serhou Guirassy follows Moting. Guirassy scored 13 goals this year, but all came at club level, scoring no goal for the Syli Nationale despite playing in their two AFCON qualifiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the 26-year-old's goals were split between Stade Rennes and Stuttgart. Guirassy joined the German club from Rennes in the summer and has scored five goals in all competitions for them.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<h3>Wilfried Zaha (Ivory Coast and Crystal Palace)- 16 goals</h3>

<p>Ivory Coast's Wilfried Zaha is number eight on the list after a remarkable year for Crystal Palace. Zaha has been one of Africa's best players in 2022 after scoring 16 goals. Although none of his strikes came in national team colours, Zaha has been killing it at club level.&nbsp;</p>

Wilfried Zaha in action for Crystal Palace in the Premier League

<p>The 30-year-old has arguably been Palace's best player this season, with 16 goals in 32 appearances, including ten in the final half of last season.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon, Barcelona and Chelsea)- 17 goals</h3>

<p>Aubameyang may not be in the best form right now, but the Gabonese striker had a first half of the year to remember. The former Borussia Dortmund had started last season with Arsenal but left for Barcelona in January after falling out with Mikel Arteta at the Emirates.&nbsp;</p>

Chelsea's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates his goal with Thiago Silva during the Premier League match against Crystal Palace on October 1, 2022.

<p>Aubameyang had a successful six months with Barcelona, scoring 11 goals in 17 league games. He also scored another two in the Europa League for the Catalan giants. However, despite his brilliance, Aubmaeyang's time at Barcelona was short, as he left for Chelsea in the summer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His at Chelsea has not gone according to plan, but he has three goals in 12 appearances for The Blues. Aubameyang's other goal this year came in Gabon's pre-AFCON friendly against Burkina Faso, although he missed the competition after testing positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Andy Delort (Algeria and Nice)-17 goals&nbsp;</h3>

<p>Behind Aubameyang is Algeria's Andy Delort, who also has 17 goals this year. However, all of Delort's goals came in 34 appearances for his Ligue 1 club, Nice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 31-year-old scored 11 in the first half of the year, while he has six this season.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Riyad Mahrez (Algeria and Manchester City)-19 goals&nbsp;</h3>

<p>Mahrez sits ahead of Delort after scoring 19 goals for Manchester City and Algeria this year. He has scored 17 goals for the League champions, including five this season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mahrez did feature for Algeria at AFCON but failed to find the back of the net as the Desert Foxes crashed out in the group stage.&nbsp;</p>

Algeria captain and winger Riyad Mahrez scored 19 goals this year

<p>However, he still scored two goals for the two-time African champions, including a penalty against Nigeria.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Terem Moffi (Nigeria and Lorient)- 19&nbsp;</h3>

<p>Moffi is level with Mahrez after a brilliant year for Lorient and Nigeria. While Moffi's brilliant scoring form only hit the top gear in the second half, he had shown promising signs in the first half, scoring six goals for Lorient.&nbsp;</p>

FC Lorient striker Terem Moffi has had a good year for club and country

<p>Moffi has since added ten league goals to the six he scored earlier this year, while he also scored three goals for Nigeria.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Victor Osimhen (Nigeria and Napoli)-24&nbsp;</h3>

<p>It has been a good year for Nigerian strikers, but Osimhen's brilliance supersedes them all. The 23-year-old has had his best year yet despite his injury problems.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Osimhen is currently in the form of his life, having scored nine goals in 11 league games for Serie A leaders Napoli this season. This is in addition to the seven he scored in the first half of the year. The Super Eagles star also has one goal in three Champions League games.&nbsp;</p>

Victor Osimhen is on fire for Napoli this season, scoring 10 goals in 14 appearances

<p>It is not just at the club level that Osimhen has been good. The ex-Lille man has also had a brilliant year with the National team, scoring five goals, including four in the 10-0 win over Sao Tome and Principe.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Mohamed Salah (Egypt and Liverpool)-28 goals</h3>

<p>Salah narrowly missed out on the Champions League and the Premier League with Liverpool, but the Egyptian has had a good individual year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With 28 goals for Liverpool and Egypt, only Sadio Mane scored more among African players in Europe's top leagues this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Mohamed Salah celebrating a goal for Liverpool

<p>Salah has 24 goals for Liverpool this year, scoring 15 in all competitions this season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also scored four goals for Egypt, including two in the AFCON, although the Pharaohs suffered a shootout defeat against Senegal in the semi-final.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Sadio Mane- (Senegal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool)-33 goals&nbsp;</h3>

<p>Mane's year ended in disappointment after missing Senegal's World Cup campaign. But the 30-year-old can still be proud of an incredible year. The Bayern Munich star stands tall ahead of every other African player this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mane started the year with Liverpool, scoring 14 goals for Jurgen Klopp's men in the first half. Mane left Liverpool in the summer to sign for Bayern Munich. The former Southampton man has continued from where he left off, scoring 11 goals.&nbsp;</p>

Sadio Mane inspired Senegal to its first-ever AFCON title.

<p>Meanwhile, despite missing out on the World Cup, 2022 remains Mane's best year at international level. The attacker fired Senegal to their first AFCON title, scoring three goals in the process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mane scored another five for the Teranga Lions, including a hat-trick against Benin. It was disappointing to see him miss the World Cup, but there is no doubt that 2022 belonged to Mane.&nbsp;</p>

The Liverpool winger and the Napoli striker are among the African stars who were clinical in front of goal this year.

Pulse Picks: Salah, Osimhen headline top ten African scorers in 2022

<p>Super Eagles star Taiwo Awoniyi is back among the goals after scoring in Nottingham's 4-1 win over Blackburn Rovers in the Carabao Cup clash between the two sides on Wednesday night.</p>

<p>Awoniyi, who has been hot and cold since joining Forest, scored a brilliant striker's goal in Forest's first match after the World Cup break.</p>

<h3>Forest put Premier League problems behind them</h3>

<p>Steve Cooper's men are currently battling relegation in the Premier League, but they have no such problems in the League Cup as Brendan Johnson put them ahead from the penalty spot in the 13th minute.</p>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🥶 <a href="https://t.co/D0NljHP08h">pic.twitter.com/D0NljHP08h</a></p>&mdash; Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFFC/status/1605661390001299465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Blackburn drew level in the 44th minute through Scott Wharton, but Forest restored their lead after the break, courtesy of a deflected shot from former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard.</p>

<p>The away side extended their lead in the 79th minute through Awoniyi, who brilliantly shrugged off Wharton before coolly finding the bottom corner for a deserved third.</p>

<p>It was the striker's fourth goal in 16 games for Forest this season, celebrating by paying homage to Jesus Christ with two cardboard pictures of a cross.</p>

<p>The goal was Awonyi's last contribution in the game as he was taken off for his compatriot Emmanuel Dennis. Although Dennis did not score, Forest added gloss to the scoreline through Johnson, who scored his second of the game in added time.</p>

<p>The result sees Forest progress to the last eight of the Carabao Cup. They will now hope to carry the form into their Premier League clash against Manchester United on Tuesday.</p>

Taiwo Awoniyi was on target against Blackburn Rovers

The Nigerian international was on target to help The Tricky Trees progress to the next round of the Carabao Cup.

CARABAO CUP: Super Eagles star Taiwo Awoniyi is for Jesus as he fires Nottingham Forest to victory

<p>Spanish La Liga side Real Valladolid have identified Super Eagles star Josh Maja as a transfer target ahead of the January transfer window.</p>

<p>Valladolid are looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of the second half of the season, and they have identified Maja as the perfect fit.</p>

<h3>Maja could link-up with Ronaldo in Spain</h3>

<p>According to <a href="https://www.elgoldigital.com/futbol/real-valladolid/ronaldo-da-el-visto-bueno-al-real-valladolid-para-fichar-a-nuevo-delantero/">Elgoldigital</a>, the White and Violets have already gotten a seal approval from former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo De Lima.</p>

<p>Ronaldo's approval is needed not because he is one of the greatest strikers to play the game but because the former Inter Milan striker is the club's president.</p>

Ronaldo de Lima is Real Valladolid's president.

<p>Ronaldo became Valladolid's president in September 2018 after purchasing 51% of the club's shares. Since then, the Brazilian has been on a mission to improve the club's fortunes in the Spanish top flight.</p>

<h3><strong>Maja on Valladolid's radar</strong></h3>

<p>It now appears Maja could be part of the mission, although they will need to sell several players to afford the Nigerian. Maja currently plays for French side Bordeaux after joining them in January 2019.</p>

<p>However, the 23-year-old has been linked with a move away from the club after a strong start to the season. The former Sunderland striker has scored seven goals in 15 league games for Les Girondins this season.</p>

<p>With Valladolid struggling for goals in the Spanish top flight after scoring just 13 goals in 14 games, Maja's quality in front of goal could be what they need.</p>

<p>However, it remains to be seen if Valladolid will be willing to sign him this January, as Maja's contract expires in June next year.</p>

Ronaldo (L) has given Real Valladolid the greenlight to sign Josh Maja

The former Real Madrid star is making plans ahead of the January transfer window.

Ronaldo wants in-form Super Eagles star in the Spanish La Liga

<p>Super Eagles stars have joined millions of others in reacting to Lionel Messi's moment of greatness on Sunday night. Messi set the world alight after leading Argentina to their World Cup on Sunday night.</p>

<p>Messi's magic was on full show at Lusail Stadium as Argentina edged out France in a thrilling conclusion to the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.</p>

<h3><strong>Messi's crowning moment</strong></h3>

<p>The Paris Saint Germain (PSG) star opened the scoring for Argentina before Di Maria doubled their lead. Kylian Mbappe's late brace sent the clash to extra time before Messi restored Argentina's lead.</p>

<p>However, Mbappe's late penalty sent the clash to a penalty shootout. But Messi would not be denied the only title missing from his collection as Argentina prevailed 4-2 in the shootout to claim their third World title.</p>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">😗🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIFAWorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFAWorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/neORak3irw">pic.twitter.com/neORak3irw</a></p>&mdash; SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/SSFootball/status/1604545479114489856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Following the match, Messi received praise from fellow athletes and celebrities, with many proclaiming him the Greatest Player of All Time (GOAT).</p>

<p>Super Eagles stars also soaked in drama on Sunday night, and they were quick to praise Messi's greatness.</p>

<h3>Balogun, Aribo and Oshoala praise Messi</h3>

<p>QPR defender Leon Balogun, who watched the match, updated his Twitter feed many times, praising Messi.</p>

<p>Balogun said: <em>Meeeeeeeeeessi, Meeeeeeessi, Meeeeeeeees after the former Barcelona star scored his second and Argentina's third.</em></p>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">M E S S I  🥹👑💙</p>&mdash; Leon Aderemi Balogun (@LeonBalogun) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeonBalogun/status/1604536898143375360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Moments later, after Argentina's win, Balogun tweeted M E S S I with a crown emoji this time.</p>

<p>Balogun was not the only Super Eagles star swayed by Messi's magic. Joe Aribo was also impressed by what he saw from Messi, calling him the GOAT.</p>

<p>Aribo said on Twitter: <em>Lionel Messi is the GOAT in emoji.</em></p>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Lionel Messi the 🐐!</p>&mdash; Joe Aribo (@J_Aribo19) <a href="https://twitter.com/J_Aribo19/status/1604536746137423877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Aribo took the praises to Instagram, sharing a picture of Messi with the World Cup on his stories.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala also praised the little magician. Oshoala, who met Messi a few times when the Argentine was still in Barcelona, tweeted: <em>LIONEL MESSI just happened.</em></p>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LIONEL MESSI just happened …..🤯🤯 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIFAWorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFAWorldCup</a></p>&mdash; ASISAT M.O.N (@AsisatOshoala) <a href="https://twitter.com/AsisatOshoala/status/1604530553478316032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Barcelona Femeni star also revealed her fun side, saying she wants a sugar daddy to kiss her like Messi kissed the World Cup.</p>

Leo Messi's Argentina defeated France on penalties to win the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Reactions have continued to trail Messi's crowning moment following Argentina's win over France.

QATAR 2022: How Super Eagles stars reacted to Messi's World Cup triumph with Argentina

<p>Lionel Messi has clarified his Argentina future after leading La Albiceleste to their third World Cup. Messi was the star as Argentina edged out France on penalties in a thrilling World Cup final played in Qatar.</p>

<h3><strong>Messi magic gives Argentina the World Cup </strong></h3>

<p>The former Barcelona star scored twice, opening the scoring from the penalty spot before scoring another in extra time.</p>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The magic man scores in the ultimate match ✨<br><br>Lionel Messi does it again for Argentina ✅<br><br>📺 Stream <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIFAWorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFAWorldCup</a> live: <a href="https://t.co/Tg69y0m5GD">https://t.co/Tg69y0m5GD</a> <a href="https://t.co/BdrS50XUbF">pic.twitter.com/BdrS50XUbF</a></p>&mdash; SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/SSFootball/status/1604497946887606272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Argentina appeared to be cruising after they took a two-goal lead, but Kylian Mbappe's late brace sent the tie to extra time.</p>

<p>Messi thought he had secured the victory for Lionel Scaloni's men, but Mbappe's penalty sent the clash to penalties.</p>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!!!!!!! <br><br>🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯<br><br>Mbappe scores twice in two minutes to hurl France back into it!<br><br>📺 Stream <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIFAWorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFAWorldCup</a> live: <a href="https://t.co/Tg69y0m5GD">https://t.co/Tg69y0m5GD</a> <a href="https://t.co/T8RvRQKzVi">pic.twitter.com/T8RvRQKzVi</a></p>&mdash; SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/SSFootball/status/1604518636881817600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Nonetheless, Messi and Argentina were not to be denied, as France missed two while Argentina scored all four to win their third world title.</p>

<h3><strong>Messi says he is not leaving </strong></h3>

<p>It was a crowning moment for Messi, who had dreamt of winning the World Cup all his life. Following his World Cup victory, Messi's international future was in doubt as there were suggestions that he could retire.</p>

<p>The 35-year-old had also hinted before that the final would be his final World Cup match for Argentina. However, Messi has now clarified his future, saying he wants to continue playing for Argentina for as long as possible.</p>

Messi says he is not ready to quit Argentina now

<p>"No, I am NOT going to retire from international football. I want to continue playing as a World Cup champion with the Argentina shirt," Messi told <a href="https://www.tycsports.com/seleccion-argentina/lionel-messi-seleccion-argentina-mundial-qatar-2022-id482790.html">TYC Sports</a> when asked if he would retire after winning the World Cup.</p>

<p>It remains to be seen how long Messi will continue with Argentina, but the PSG star is unlikely to play in another World Cup as he will be 39 when the next edition comes up in the USA, Mexico and Canada.</p>

Joba Ogunwale

Articles written by the author

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