Headlines
Messi Pulls Strings as Argentina Outclass Italy 3-0 in COMMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions Match at Wembley
By Derrick Bangura
Argentina marked the revival of the Cup of Champions in style as they outclassed Italy 3-0 in a heavyweight clash billed as the “Finalissima” at a raucous Wembley Stadium on Wednesday.
First-half goals by Lautaro Martinez and Angel Di Maria put the south American champions in complete control against an Italy side who were back at Wembley 11 months after beating England to win the delayed Euro 2020.
With thousands of their supporters in the 87,000 crowd determined to turn northwest London into Buenos Aires for the night, an Argentina side including Lionel Messi was simply too quick and slick for the lumbering Azzurri.
“It was a beautiful final, full of Argentinians. What we’ve experienced here was beautiful. We knew it was going to be an attractive game and a nice setting to be champion,” Messi said after the match. “We can compete against anyone. Today it was a good test because Italy is a great team.”
Martinez tapped home from close range in the 28th minute from Messi’s low cross to reward Argentina’s early dominance.
“This is priceless. We are extremely happy for how things are going, for our play and for what this group is,” Martinez said. “There are still several months to go before the World Cup and we know we need to correct certain things.”
Inter Milan’s Martinez then slid a pass through for Di Maria to double the lead with a dinked finish on the stroke of half-time to send the South American fans into raptures.
Argentina could have scored plenty more after the break with Messi pulling the strings and Italy keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma sparing his side a drubbing.
Substitute Paulo Dybala underlined Argentina’s superiority with a drilled low finish in stoppage time.
It was a disappointing end to Italy stalwart defender Giorgio Chiellini’s international career as the 37-year-old was substituted at half-time on his 117th and final appearance.
The Finalissima is the revival of the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions that has been played only twice before, in 1985 and 1993.
Messi, who lit up the evening with a series of trademark dribbles, was hoisted into the air by his team mates who danced jigs of joy on the lush Wembley turf.
Argentina, who ended a 28-year wait for a trophy by beating Brazil to win the 2021 Copa America, produced a display that augurs well for their hopes at the Qatar World Cup this year, extending their unbeaten run to 32 games.
“Everything changed since we won the Copa America,” Di Maria said. “We got rid of that weight and now we are enjoying playing, having a good time and things are much easier for us. We are enthusiastic, but we must always keep our feet on the ground.”
For Italy, it was a sobering reminder of just how quickly fortunes can change in football.
Last July, Roberto Mancini’s team were euphoric after a penalty shootout win over England to win the European Championship, but have since suffered the humiliation of failing to qualify for the World Cup for the second successive tournament after losing in a playoff to North Macedonia.
In the build-up Mancini described game as the “end of a cycle” and the defeat left him in no doubt as to how much work is required to revive Italy’s fortunes.
“They were better than us. We were in the game in the first half but didn’t do enough to turn it around after the break,” Mancini said.
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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