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Giannis arrives in Miami, looking to follow Messi’s path to more titles and success

MIAMI — Giannis Antetokounmpo was watching Lionel Messi play in the World Cup semifinals this week, and a realization struck him. Messi, to him, is greatness. And Antetokounmpo wants to follow Messi's path. Antetokounmpo got his welcome-to-Miami ceremony Thursday at the team's arena, with a few fans chanting his name as he walked along his new home court for the first time after he got a tour of his new city. "I need pressure at this time of my career," Antetokounmpo said. "I think in order for me to go to the next level, I've got to get out of my comfort zone — and I feel like ...

Defending champion Argentina reaches World Cup final by beating England 2-1

ATLANTA — No "Hand of God" this time. Argentina didn't need it. Instead it was the hallowed feet of Lionel Messi and the unbreakable spirit of a team that has repeatedly fought back at this year's World Cup that is now one step away from back-to-back titles. Trailing 1-0 going into the ...

The World Cup final is set, with Messi and Argentina facing Yamal and Spain for the title on Sunday

The best offense. The best defense. The World Cup final is set, and fittingly, a clash of styles awaits. Lionel Messi — the most prolific goal scorer in the tournament's history — and defending champion Argentina will take on Spain's defensive juggernaut on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Spain beat France in one semifinal on Tuesday; Argentina, the comeback king of this tournament, rallied to beat England 2-1 in the other semifinal on Wednesday. Argentina is seeking its fourth title and is looking to become the first back-to-back World Cup champion since Brazil pulled ...

Kylian Mbappé-led France falls flat in World Cup loss to Spain when hopes for a title were high

ARLINGTON, Texas — Kylian Mbappé had France poised for another run to the World Cup final with a team that seemingly had the offensive firepower to solve Spain's stout defense. Instead, Les Bleus had no answers in a 2-0 semifinal loss at the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday in what is presumably coach Didier Deschamps' final appearance on soccer's biggest stage. Deschamps, who has said this would be his last World Cup, won a title as a player in 1998 and again as a coach eight years ago in Russia before leading France to the final in 2022 in Qatar. Argentina won that ...