Soccer – Page 72

Kylian Mbappé Is Ready to Make Messi’s Moment His Own

The France and Argentina stars are teammates at Qatar-owned Paris St.-Germain. But when they collide in the World Cup final, both have much to gain, and a lot to lose.

By Tariq Panja

Mbappe, Kylian (1998- ) Memorabilia and Souvenirs Messi, Lionel Paris St-Germain FC (Soccer Team) Soccer World Cup 2022 (Soccer)

It’s the World Cup Souvenir Everyone Wants. Getting One Is the Hard Part.

A game-worn Lionel Messi jersey is the most coveted collectible in Qatar. Good luck getting hold of the one (or two) he wears in the World Cup final.

By Rory Smith

Blinken, Antony J Doha (Qatar) International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) International Relations Macron, Emmanuel (1977- ) Soccer State Department United States International Relations World Cup 2022 (Soccer)

Leaders Mix Sports and Diplomacy at the World Cup

Dozens of top officials have flown to Qatar to cheer for teams while talking shop. The event has magnified the tiny Gulf nation’s role as a diplomatic broker.

By Edward Wong

Beckham, David International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) Soccer World Cup 2022 (Soccer)

David Beckham Is the World Cup’s Missing Mouthpiece

Qatar paid David Beckham tens of millions of dollars to promote the country and its interests. To its frustration, it has not received much return on the investment.

By Tariq Panja