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For his legions of admirers, the debate about Lionel Messi's right to be regarded as the greatest footballer in history is officially over.

Countries gathered at a UN meeting on biodiversity in Montreal were inching closer Sunday to a deal to protect 30 percent of the planet by 2030 and to stump up $30 billion in yearly aid for the developing world to save their ecosystems.

Lionel Messi left the World Cup stage for the final time in the most dramatic way possible on Sunday, headlining a lengthy list of global giants bidding farewell to football's biggest tournament.

Victorious Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said it was up to Lionel Messi to decide whether he wants to play at another World Cup as the South American nation celebrated a dramatic win over France in Sunday's final.

Bangladeshi football fans chanted "Messi, Messi," shedding tears of joy and dancing in the streets to celebrate the triumph of Argentina -- a country half a world away -- over France in the World Cup final Sunday.

Qatar's ruler said Sunday that the Gulf state had delivered on a vow to hold an "exceptional" World Cup.

Sci-fi epic "Avatar: The Way of Water," the long-awaited sequel to James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster, swamped the competition at North American theaters, taking in an estimated $134 million, industry estimates showed Sunday.

Lionel Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory on Sunday, scoring twice against France in one of the all-time great finals with the South Americans holding their nerve to triumph in a penalty shootout.

Rasheed celebrated Argentina's World Cup win singing and dancing with dozens of other South Asian workers with a double landmark on his mind. Sunday was also International Migrants Day.

Argentina star Lionel Messi on Sunday vowed to continue playing for his country despite finally realising his lifetime ambition of winning the World Cup.

Kylian Mbappe was unlucky to finish on the losing side as Argentina defeated France on penalties in the World Cup final, but the 23-year-old showed on Sunday why comparisons with Pele are not unreasonable.

Twitter announced Sunday it would no longer allow users to promote their accounts on a host of social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram -- the latest policy change by the company under its controversial new owner Elon Musk.

France coach Didier Deschamps said the way his team lost Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina was "cruel" after they came from behind twice over the course of the game only to succumb in a penalty shoot-out.

Lionel Messi won the World Cup for Argentina on Sunday as he scored twice against France in one of the all-time great finals before the South Americans held their nerve to win in a penalty shootout in Qatar.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who masterminded the South Americans' penalty shoot-out victory over France in Sunday's World Cup final, called on his compatriots to enjoy the glory.

Watching football icon Lionel Messi inspire Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar on Sunday made the economic suffering engulfing the country "worth it", according to ecstatic fans.

Belgium's government called Sunday for Belgians in Iran to leave the country, mired in a violent crackdown on nationwide protests, because of the risk of arbitrary arrest and imprisonment.

Lionel Messi saved his best for last on Sunday, bringing the curtain down on his World Cup career by finally landing the one major title that has eluded him.

Boston Celtics center Al Horford was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Sunday for delivering an elbow to the groin of Orlando rival Moritz Wagner.

An oil tanker overturned and caught fire in Afghanistan's high-altitude Salang pass, killing at least 19 people and injuring dozens, officials said on Sunday.

Lionel Messi finally won the World Cup as Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling World Cup final finished 3-3 after extra time in Qatar on Sunday.

Lionel Messi crowned his glittering career with victory in the World Cup on Sunday as Argentina beat France on penalties in a final for the ages, triumphing 4-2 after Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick ensured the game ended level following extra time.

Argentina defeated France 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out to win the World Cup for the third time on Sunday.

A UN nature deal proposed Sunday calls to protect at least 30 percent of the planet by 2030 and asks rich countries to stump up $30 billion in yearly aid for developing nations to save their ecosystems.

War-weary Ukrainian Jews gathered on Sunday for prayer and candle-lighting ceremonies to kick off Hannukah, the so-called Festival of Lights, vowing to overcome blackouts caused by persistent Russian bombardment.

Voting to elect a new leader of South Africa's ruling party started late Sunday, with the race tightening between President Cyril Ramaphosa and his former health minister Zweli Mkhize amid warnings against "divisive" vote buying.

Tunisia plunged into political uncertainty Sunday after voters overwhelming snubbed elections for a neutered parliament, as the main opposition alliance called on President Kais Saied to "leave immediately".

United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon took part in a memorial service Sunday as the body of their slain Irish comrade was repatriated, days after being shot dead in an attack.

Bernard Arnault -- who with his family now tops the wealth of Elon Musk -- gradually built LVMH into a global luxury empire by buying up iconic brands, sealing his reputation as a formidable and insatiable businessman.

A UN nature deal proposed Sunday calls to protect at least 30 percent of the planet by 2030 and asks rich countries to stump up $20 billion in yearly aid for developing nations to save their ecosystems.

France scrum-half Antoine Dupont scored twice as Toulouse ran in seven tries in a 45-19 bonus-point win over Sale in the second matchday of the Champions Cup on Sunday.

Argentines were out in force from early morning Sunday in Buenos Aires as the nation's expectations reached fever pitch hours ahead of the World Cup final against France in Qatar.