World Football

After a long fight for equal pay, the United States women's national soccer team will be legally required to be compensated as much as the men's team.

Eddie Pells of the Associated Press reported the House of Representatives passed the Equal Pay for Team USA Act on Wednesday after the bill previously passed through the Senate with unanimous support.

The next stop is President Joe Biden's desk to be signed into law.

"By sending this legislation to the President, both houses have sent a clear message that this is the standard for all National Teams in all sports and it underscores the importance of working with our athletes to achieve equal pay including equalizing international prize money," U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said in a statement.

The bill, which stems from the federal gender discrimination lawsuit the USWNT filed against U.S. Soccer in 2019, provides equal pay and benefits for all athletes representing their country in global competitions across 50 sports.

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee will provide oversight to ensure the law is followed.

In September, Anne M. Peterson of the Associated Press reported the USWNT and USMNT signed collective bargaining agreements with U.S. Soccer that run through 2028 and provide equal pay structure for tournament appearances, tournament wins, revenue sharing and distribution of World Cup prize money.

The fight for equal pay has been a defining storyline for the USWNT even while they dominated on the field for years. Fans chanted for equal pay during the 2019 World Cup in France, and it was discussed by a number of players during their championship celebration back in the United States.

The lawsuit was a significant step, and the team and U.S. Soccer reached a settlement in February that paid the women $24 million and required new labor agreements with the USWNT and USMNT.

This comes as the Red, White and Blue are focused on the 2023 World Cup, where they will attempt to become the first women's team to win the event three times in a row.

There were so many people in Buenos Aires to celebrate Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup that players had to leave the bus parade celebration via helicopter.

With a crowd estimated to be as large as 5 million, authorities canceled the parade early over security concerns, according to James Grainger of the Buenos Aires Times.

Grainger added that the number of people attending the parade "made it impossible at times for the open-top bus carrying the players and coaching staff to even advance on the capital."

Portions of the parade route were completely blocked off with fans, which forced changes to be made to the route. Additionally, some fans attempted to jump onto the team's bus, and at least 18 people are reported to have injuries, according to Grainger.

The team bus was forced to drive to a nearby school before players boarded helicopters to return to their training facility just outside the Argentine capital.

Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, released a statement on Twitter (h/t Grainger): "We were not allowed to arrive to greet all the people who were at the Obelisk, the same security forces that were escorting us did not allow us to move forward. A thousand apologies on behalf of all the champion players," Tapia wrote.

Presidential spokeswoman Gabriela Cerruti added: "The World Champions are flying over the parade route in helicopters because it was impossible to continue on the ground."

Argentina won the 2022 World Cup on penalty kicks over France on Sunday. It marks the country's first World Cup victory since 1986 and its third overall after winning in 1978.

It was a particularly special victory for Messi, arguably the greatest player in the world, as winning the World Cup was one of the only things left for him to accomplish. While the 2022 tournament was expected to be his last, Messi said that he is not retiring from the national team, which opens the door for his return to the biggest stage in 2026, when the United States will be a co-host.

The French soccer federation said Tuesday that some of its players faced "unacceptable racist and hateful comments on social networks" following Sunday's penalty shootout loss to Argentina in the World Cup final, per the Associated Press.

"The French soccer federation condemns with the utmost firmness these intolerable behaviors and abuses," it said in a statement.

PSG's Kylian Mbappé and Bayern Munich's Kingsley Coman were among the French players who faced racial abuse, per Isabelle Rome, the country's minister in charge of gender equality.

SOS Racisme, a French human rights group, said the players faced "a torrent of racist slurs, with hundreds of users on the social network posting comments likening them to apes, slaves, or even urging them to go back to the jungle."

Bayern Munich publicly sent Coman a message of support:

Both Mbappé and Coman played in the final against Argentina. The former notched a hat trick and made his attempt in the penalty shootout, while Coman had his attempt saved by Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.

Racial abuse continues to be a major concern in world football. Following the Euro 2020 final, four people were arrested for racially abusing England's Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka on social media platforms.

"For some of them to be abused is unforgivable," English manager Gareth Southgate told reporters at the time. "Some of it has come from abroad, we have been told this, but some of it is from this country. ... We have been a beacon of light to bring people together and the national team stands for everybody. We felt the energy and positivity from the fans and I'm incredibly proud of that."

Per the AP, the French federation said it plans to file criminal complaints against individuals who directed abuse at the players.

Real Madrid and France star Karim Benzema has announced his retirement from international football after France's defeat to Argentina in the World Cup final.

"I made the effort and the mistakes it took to be where I am today and I'm proud of it! I have written my story and ours is ending," Benzema said, via Colin Millar of the Mirror.

The 35-year-old made the France squad ahead of the 2022 World Cup, but he suffered a thigh injury in training and was ruled out for the tournament. Though he was not replaced on the roster, he did not stay with the team and chose not to attend Sunday's final.

According to French newspaper L'Equipe (h/t Tom Blow of the Mirror), Benzema "cut off" communication with the team and head coach Didier Deschamps after they wouldn't let him stay following the injury.

Deschamps dodged questions on Benzema's availability after France's first two group-stage games.

"I have 24 players here and I'm thinking about them," he told reporters. "I will let you speak, debate, and imagine, but I'm not going to comment on things that don't concern our daily business."

Asked about Benzema again following victory in the semifinals over Morocco, Deschamps said, "I don't really want to answer that question."

Benzema was not part of France's 2018 World Cup-winning squad amid a blackmail scandal with former teammate Mathieu Valbuena, for which he received a one-year suspended prison sentence. He was also left off the 2010 World Cup roster despite competing with the team during qualifying.

He earned 97 caps across 15 years with the national team yet only appeared in one World Cup, helping the 2014 squad reach the quarterfinal with three goals and two assists in five matches.

The striker has been one of the world's best players at the club level, helping Real Madrid win five Champions League titles. He earned the 2022 Ballon d'Or after winning Champions League and La Liga titles with Los Blancos, scoring 44 goals in all competitions.

Argentina may be champions of the world, but they aren't going to be No. 1 in the updated FIFA rankings.

Dale Johnson of ESPN FC noted South American rival Brazil will maintain their top spot this month after reaching the quarterfinals of the World Cup. Brazil lost to Croatia in those quarterfinals, although the defeat came via a penalty shootout.

Argentina won the World Cup for the first time since 1986 thanks to its victory over France on Sunday, which also came via a penalty shootout.

Here is a look at the latest top 10 in the FIFA rankings:

1. Brazil

2. Argentina

3. France

4. Belgium

5. England

6. Netherlands

7. Croatia

8. Italy

9. Portugal

10. Spain

The United States, which advanced out of the group stage before losing to the Netherlands in the round of 16, is the highest-ranked team in the CONCACAF at No. 13. Mexico is No. 15.

Johnson explained Brazil only held onto their top spot because Sunday's final went into a penalty shootout. Had either France or Argentina won in regular time or even extra time, they would have propelled to the top spot.

However, victories that come via a penalty shootout are worth fewer ranking points.

Argentina also defeated the Netherlands in the quarterfinals in a penalty shootout.

Still, Lionel Messi and Co. surely aren't too concerned with the FIFA rankings after prevailing on the sport's biggest stage. It was the first World Cup title for the legendary superstar and was something of a mic-drop moment in the debate about who is the greatest player of all time.

It wasn't without challenge from someone who is well on his way to becoming a part of those GOAT debates.

Kylian Mbappé notched a hat trick, with the first two goals coming in the 80th and 81st minutes after France fell behind 2-0. That flurry forced extra time, but it appeared as if Messi won it with a goal in the 108th minute.

Mbappé wasn't done, though, as he scored the equalizer on a penalty in the 118th minute.

They each converted their attempts in the penalty shootout as well, but Messi's teammates helped his side prevail in one of the most memorable showdowns in the sport's history.

Lionel Messi played the lights out of Lusail Stadium in Qatar.

After gripping drama that went all the way to penalties, Messi is champion of the world.

Now 35, the "Messi-ah" from Rosario has (finally) collected the ultimate football trophy. He'll place that prize in a crowded cabinet, beside his numerous Ballon d'Or awards, his extensive La Liga titles, his Champions League accolades. He's won 35 trophies with Barcelona, two with Paris Saint-Germain and three now with Argentina.

But the World Cup trophy is the most sought-after crown of them all, eluding even the brightest stars.

As Messi lifts it, the debate should be settled for good: He is the greatest player of all time. No other footballer has achieved what he has, as long as he has, at so many levels of the game. The international piece missing from his cabinet is acquired.

Messi is the champion of the world and the best in the world. We may never find one like him again.

Here's a breakdown of all that happened from possibly the greatest World Cup Final of them all.

A Masterful First Half from Argentina

Argentina looked like the inevitable victor in the first half as Messi performed on an otherworldly level.

He struck at all the right moments, making plays no other player has the sight or touch to find. He was joined in performance by reliable stalwarts and burgeoning young talents in his squad.

Ángel Di María—himself 34, shaking off injury—got the surprise start and was formidable on the left wing. Di María was indispensable to early Argentine domination as he tied his opposing counterpart Jules Koundé in knots, making him look out of depth. Di María drew the penalty, enticing Ousmane Dembélé to give the foul that led to Argentina's first goal. Thirteen minutes later, he put the second one away after a rapid Argentine counterattack.

The French were lucky to only be down 2-0 after the first 45 as Les Bleus failed to register a shot on target. Messi was at the center as a surprisingly listless France side looked bewildered by a blue-and-white storm that hit them hard.

Mbappé Flips the Script

It was all going to plan: a sure coronation for Messi and the Albiceleste as Buenos Aires and Argentina fans worldwide readied for the biggest party you'd ever see.

And then it flipped late in the second half. Seemingly out of nowhere in the 80th minute, Nicolás Otamendi fouled Randal Kolo Muani cutting into the box, gifting a penalty to France. It was Kylian Mbappé's turn to stand where Messi had in the first half and send the penalty home that shifted the pace.

Mbappé rushed to the net to surface the ball and restart. And within 70-odd seconds, he tucked the ball into the net a second time.

In future years, we may talk of Mbappé in the same vein as Messi. His World Cup final effort will not be forgotten, and his audacious volleyed goal for his second of the night will be evidence of his greatness.

The French, largely lethargic throughout the final, found inspiration led by their own No. 10. An epic World Cup tournament was going to extra time. The added 30 minutes would be no less dramatic.

Messi and Mbappé Trade Goals in Extra Time

Despite the long, intense tournament, both Messi and Mbappé were at their irrepressible best. Messi continued to be talismanic in the extra period. Mbappé had arisen from his slumber, and Messi was still cooking at high heat.

Messi struck first.

Lautaro Martínez collected a long ball down to Messi. Messi tapped it to Enzo Fernández, who sent it back to Martínez for the shot. Waiting in front of the net, Messi found the rebound deflected by Hugo Lloris and collected his seventh goal of the 2022 World Cup.

Ten minutes later, France found a response. An ill-timed handball brought another penalty for Les Bleus. And in the 118th minute of extra time, Mbappe was back waiting at the place. Sending it home, Mbappé collected a hat trick and the Golden Boot.

The lottery of the penalty shootout awaited both teams.

Unsurprisingly, Mbappé and Messi didn't miss their respective penalties. It was now out of their control.

But their World Cup final duel will be long remembered. Mbappé may not have won the day, but he established himself as Messi's heir apparent as the best player in the world.

Unfortunately for the PSG superstar, Messi's teammates wouldn't be deterred.

Emi Martínez Is Argentina's Penalty Hero Again

It's been quite the journey for Emiliano Martínez. After spending years toiling on loan and in the reserves for Arsenal, the 30-year-old Aston Villa goalkeeper has come to prominence for his bold character and his ability to stop penalties.

Alongside many of Messi's teammates ushering him toward the final prize, he deserves his moment of praise tonight.

With the pressure on, he performed with aplomb, stopping a Kingsley Coman penalty and overseeing the miss of another in a penalty shootout that went Argentina's way.

Argentina had many heroes besides Messi, from Martínez to young stars like Fernández and Julián Álvarez. But no other player deserves as much credit as Martínez.

Messi's Legacy as the GOAT Secured

After Gonzalo Montiel's final penalty crashed into the net, we can finally put some things to rest.

One is the long streak of a European team winning the men's World Cup, as Argentina became the first side outside Europe to do it since Brazil in 2002.

The other is the long debate regarding the legacies of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The latter departed this tournament far earlier, shrouded in controversy and with no trophies to his name. Ronaldo has never scored in a World Cup knockout game and almost assuredly will never win the World Cup. The 2022 World Cup was Messi's crowning achievement; for Ronaldo, it was the final whimper of an epic career.

Mbappé is next in line to inherit the world of football from those two giants, and in years to come, he may reach their level.

Past legends have been referred to as the GOAT. Diego Maradona, Messi's cultural and spiritual predecessor, comes to mind, and his 1986 World Cup win with Argentina was the measuring stick by which Messi was judged. Pelé dominated his era with no equal.

But none have achieved for so long and on so many stages of the game.

Messi has surpassed them all, winning everything at every level in dominant fashion. In the pantheon of football's best, the quiet 5'7" magician stands above them all.

Now a World Cup champion, with seven goals this tournament, an incredible final performance and some of his best-ever play along the way, perhaps we can finally agree: Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer of all time.

Lionel Messi is finally a World Cup champion, but he has no plans to retire from the Argentina national team following its victory over France in the 2022 World Cup Final in Qatar on Sunday.

"No, I'm not gonna retire from the national team," Messi told TyC Sports, per insider Fabrizio Romano. "I want to keep playing as World Cup champions with Argentina shirt."

Messi scored on a penalty kick in the 23rd minute to give Argentina a 1-0 lead before Ángel Di María made it a 2-0 game in the 36th minute.

La Albiceleste held on to that 2-0 lead over France entering halftime at Lusail Stadium before chaos ensued late in the second half and in extra time to produce one of the most exciting World Cup finals ever.

France's Kylian Mbappé scored on a penalty kick in the 80th minute to give Les Bleus some life, and he scored again in the 81st minute to tie the game, leaving Argentinian fans shell-shocked.

Argentina and France continued to trade blows in extra time as Messi scored his second of the game in the 108th minute to put his country up 3-2. But just when La Albiceleste thought it had secured the victory, Mbappé found the back of the net in the 118th minute on a penalty kick.

With the game tied 3-3 after 120 minutes, Argentina won the match 4-2 on penalties to secure Messi his first World Cup trophy.

The 35-year-old won the Golden Ball as the best player of the World Cup after scoring seven goals and registering three assists in Qatar. He also won the Golden Ball in 2014 and is the first player in history to win the award twice.

One of the best players to ever take the field, Messi made his debut for Argentina's senior national team in 2005. In addition to winning the 2022 World Cup, Messi has helped Argentina capture gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and win the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 Finalissima.

It was widely believed that the 2022 World Cup would be his last, but now that he has shut down retirement rumors, he could lead Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, when he'll turn 39.

If Messi wants to return to the World Cup in four years, he'll surely make it happen, even if he may not be the same level of player.

Lionel Messi had a lot more to celebrate this time around after winning the Golden Ball for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The Argentina star was named the player of the tournament in 2014 but cut a forlorn figure in the immediate aftermath of his country's loss to Germany in the final. On Sunday, he finally lifted the one trophy that eluded him to this point in his career.

Not only is Messi now a World Cup champion, but he's also the first two-time Golden Ball winner as the World Cup's most outstanding player. Scoring twice in the final, he finished the tournament with seven goals and three assists.

Kylian Mbappé had a tournament for the ages, culminating in the Golden Boot. He was the leading scorer with eight goals, and his hat trick in the final will be remembered for a long time despite coming in a losing effort.

Argentina's Emiliano Martínez was the Golden Glove winner as the top goalkeeper.

Martínez's nod completes quite the individual journey.

In 2019, he was plying his trade in the English Championship on loan with Reading after failing to break through with Arsenal, and he didn't make his senior Argentina debut until 2021. Now, the 30-year-old is a world champion who played a critical role in the final.

Martínez denied Randal Kolo Muani in the third minute of second-half stoppage time to maintain a 3-3 deadlock. Then he stopped Kingsley Coman's effort in the shootout to give his country an early edge.

Croatia's Dominik Livaković and Morocco's Bono both had solid cases to collect the Golden Glove, but Martínez's heroics tipped the scales in his favor.

As much as he achieved, the 2022 World Cup might be the defining moment of Messi's career, much in the same way the 1986 World Cup is remembered for Diego Maradona.

What this meant for the 35-year-old was evident in how his teammates reacted after Gonzalo Montiel converted the decisive penalty.

Maradona cast a long shadow, both because of what he helped the national team win on the pitch and what he symbolized for supporters. Nobody understood that more than Messi.

His relationship with fans from Argentina was somewhat strained as La Albiceleste fell short at major tournament after major tournament. Leading up to the 2022 World Cup, the country began rallying around him in a way it never had before.

If Argentina had lost to France, Messi probably wouldn't have been made the scapegoat because of how well he played across the tournament. But the absence of a World Cup winner's medal would've followed him forever.

Instead, Messi might now have supplanted both Maradona and Pelé in the argument over the greatest player of all time.