Lionel Messi has Ronaldinho and rough competition from his brothers to thank for a seamless move into big time soccer

The French defender smashed home a superb stoppage-time winner to give champions Chelsea a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

The Azzurri beat 2006 World Cup hosts Germany 4-1. Argentina, France and Sweden also suffered shock defeats

Barcelona's Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o threatened to leave the pitch during Primera Liga match at Real Zaragoza after being racially abused by the home fans.

A round-up of weekend action in the main European leagues.

"This will result will serve to keep our feet on the ground," the Brazilian was quoted as saying.

"The most important thing is to remain calm and for all of us to stick together," Ronaldo told reporters after the game.

A round-up of weekend action in the main European leagues.

Manchester United's website said the 34-year-old midfielder left by mutual consent but media reports in Ireland said he was dismissed.

Inter Milan striker Julio Ricardo Cruz was recalled on Friday by Argentina for friendly internationals against England and Qatar next month.

Ivan Ljubicic reached his second final in two weeks when he beat fifth-seeded Spaniard Tommy Robredo.

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The victory in Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix lifted him up alongside some of Formula One's greatest names.

Figo, who retired from playing for Portugal after Euro 2004, has been called up for the World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on June 4.

No true bibliophile, haunted by the secret fear that his favourite books will end up remaindered, pulped, forgotten, will be able to resist the central conceit of Carlos Ruiz Zafon's The Shadow Of The Wind.

Premier League leaders Chelsea have responded to what they describe as an "unprecedented attack" by Europe's governing body UEFA.

The Real Madrid midfielder defended the club's Galactico policy.

The 'Football for Hope' match will feature more than 50 of the world's best known players including Real Madrid's Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham.

Ronaldinho and Andriy Shevchenko will lead two teams on Tuesday in a benefit match to raise funds for victims of the Asian tsunami.