Sports

By JAMES ROBSON AP Soccer Writer DOHA, Qatar (AP) — As Lionel Messi approaches his second and likely last World Cup final, the stakes could hardly be higher. The same goes for Argentina after more than 30 years of disappointment since it last won soccer’s ultimate prize. For Messi, victory against France at Lusail Stadium

LONDON (AP) — Chilean tennis player Bárbara Gatica Avilés has been banned from the sport for three years after admitting she was paid to deliberately lose a match in 2016. The International Tennis Integrity Agency says “The charges relate to a match in 2016, which Gatica admitted losing deliberately in return for payment.” The agency

By GRAHAM DUNBAR and TAREK BOUSSAHA Associated Press DOHA, Qatar (AP) — The idea that Morocco could co-host the 2030 World Cup with near-neighbors Spain and Portugal seemed a bit crazy when it was floated four years ago. It doesn’t seem so crazy now Morocco has gained status inside FIFA and credibility with fans by

DALLAS (AP) — Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber has a torn right hamstring and will be sidelined indefinitely. It’s a blow to the frontcourt depth for a team that reached the Western Conference finals last season. The team says the 6-foot-10 Kleber was injured in practice Tuesday. Kleber had missed two of the previous three

By The Associated Press The Carolina Panthers’ strategy for beating the Pittsburgh Steelers is no secret: run the football. The Panthers ran the ball 46 times for 223 yards and two touchdowns in a 30-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks this past week, and will look to that same formula when they return home on

SANDUSKY, Ohio (AP) — Hailie Deegan will drive full time in the NASCAR Truck Series next season with ThorSport Racing. ThorSport formally added Deegan to its driver lineup as it announced a manufacturer move from Toyota to Ford. Deegan, a 21-year-old California native, will race in the Truck Series for the third consecutive season. She

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Brandon Nimmo said the promise of attempting to contend every year with the Mets is how owner Steve Cohen persuaded him to re-sign with New York. Nimmo gushed about remaining with the team Thursday at the news conference for his new deal. His agent Scott

By The Associated Press The Minnesota Vikings host the Indianapolis Colts this week. The Vikings are 10-3 and favored by 4 points according to FanDuel Sportsbook odds. They will clinch the NFC North with a win after losing 34-23 at Detroit last week in their first chance at the division title. The Colts are 4-8-1.

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer No. 24 Mississippi State is promoting defensive coordinator Zach Arnett to head coach to replace Mike Leach, who died suddenly of a heart condition earlier this week. Mississippi State was working to finalize a four-year contract with the 36-year-old Arnett, a person with knowledge of the decision

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina has hired Chip Lindsey from Central Florida as its new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. The school announced the hiring Thursday. That comes a week after Phil Longo said he would leave the Tar Heels to join the staff at Wisconsin along with offensive line coach Jack Bicknell

By GRAHAM DUNBAR AP Sports Writer DOHA, Qatar (AP) — World Cup history is beckoning for France, star player Kylian Mbappé and coach Didier Deschamps. When France walks on the field Sunday for the tournament final against Argentina and Lionel Messi, soccer lore is waiting to be written for the team. Les Bleus could be

By The Associated Press No. 23 Troy and No. 22 UTSA help kick off the college bowl season, meeting in the Cure Bowl — the lone FBS postseason matchup featuring teams that won conference championships this year. The Trojans and Roadrunners have both rattled off 10 consecutive wins after losing two of three games to

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Sports Writer Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker will be the next president of the NCAA, stepping in to lead an organization with diminished power amid sweeping change across college sports. The NCAA announced Thursday that Baker will replace Mark Emmert as the head of the largest college sports governing body

By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Eight-time All-Star and two-time MVP Stephen Curry is expected to undergo an MRI on Thursday after injuring his left shoulder in a 125-119 loss at Indiana. Coach Steve Kerr said trainers informed him midway through the fourth quarter that Curry couldn’t return to the game. Curry

MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid has reached a deal to sign young Brazilian sensation Endrick from Palmeiras. The 16-year-old forward will join Madrid when he turns 18. Endrick will continue with Brazilian club Palmeiras until then. Financial details were not immediately released but Brazilian media say the deal is worth nearly 60 million euros. Endrick