Soccer

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — It's sad but true, Copa America could mark Lionel Messi's final chapter with Argentina's national soccer team. The World Cup winner will turn 37 during the tournament in the United States, which kicks off Thursday.

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Two kings and a prince are set to watch the soccer aristocrats playing on the field at European Championship games on Thursday.

GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany (AP) — Late bloomer Michael Folorunsho hadn’t even played in Italy’s top division this time last year. Now he’s representing Italy at the European Championship.

HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — Albania substitute Klaus Gjasula had the rare experience of scoring for both teams Wednesday in an intense 2-2 draw with Croatia that could make it difficult for each to survive the group stage at Euro 2024.

PADERBORN, Germany (AP) — Kylian Mbappé returned to light training Wednesday with a bandage covering his broken nose in the first public appearance by the France superstar since his bloody injury that shook the European Championship.

HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — If there is a prize for best footwear at soccer’s European Championship, the Super Mario-themed cleats worn by Albania winger Jasir Asani on Wednesday might win it.

MUNICH (AP) — Slovenia faces Serbia on Thursday in Munich in their second Group C match. Serbia is bottom of the group after a narrow 1-0 loss to England in its opener while Slovenia managed a 1-1 draw against Denmark. Kickoff is at 3 p.m.

LYON, France (AP) — Eight-time women's European champion Lyon has hired Joe Montemurro as head coach for the next two seasons, the team said on Wednesday. The former Juventus and Arsenal coach replaces Sonia Bompastor, who has left for Chelsea.

NYON, Switzerland (AP) — Jose Mourinho’s Champions League debut as coach of Fenerbahce will be in Switzerland in the second qualifying round next month. Fenerbahce was drawn Wednesday to play Lugano with the first leg in Thun on July 23 or 24.

PRAGUE (AP) — Former Czech Football Association deputy head Roman Berbr and other soccer officials were sentenced for their involvement in a match-fixing scandal on Wednesday.