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Messi’s history-making World Cup campaign
• Messi – Can he lift the World Cup trophy tomorrow?
It would be quite the fairy-tale, would it not?
One of – if not the – greatest player to step out onto the world stage, bowing out of international football with the trophy of his career. The one every player dreams of, even a man who has won so much already.
And Lionel Messi’s performances in Qatar have been a testament to just how much he wants this – a key figure in Argentina’s run to the semi-final, stepping up to take the first penalty of the shootout against the Netherlands with immeasurable pressure on his shoulders, and wearing the weight of the captain’s armband with pride.
No one expected the South Americans to be subject to an opening group game defeat to Saudi Arabia, who came from behind to win 2-1 despite Lionel Messi’s penalty putting Argentina ahead.
They went into their second game against Mexico knowing that anything less than a win would almost certainly seal their exit from the competition before the last game of the group – and Messi, when his team needed him the most, stepped up. Involved in both goals in the 2-0 win (one goal, one assist) ensured they stayed on track heading into their final encounter with Poland.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward, pulling the strings as always, saw his team book their place in the round-of-16 with a 2-0 win, setting up a clash with surprise package Australia. Scoring his third of the tournament, Messi bagged a fantastic goal 10 minutes before half-time to put them in cruise control going into the second half, eventually going on to win 2-1.
Louis van Gaal’s Dutchmen welcomed them into the last eight, but the game was anything but friendly between the two. Another two goal involvements from Messi (one goal, one assist) put Lionel Scaloni’s side in the driving seat but for some late drama. Their captain stepped up and slotted home their first penalty, before Argentina booked their place in the semi-finals – setting up a mouth-watering clash against Croatia.
The 35-year-old has already written his name in the history books in Qatar, overtaking the late Diego Maradona for games played for his country at a World Cup tournament. His assist in the Mexico win saw him become the first player to set up a goal at five separate men’s World Cup tournaments – 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and now 2022.
When the forward led his charges in the semi-final game against Croatia on Tuesday, he would not only equal Lothar Matthaus’s record of 25 games, but scored (penalty) and uniquely assisted in one, in Argentina’s thumping 3-0 win to book a place to the final tomorrow where they face off with France who deflated the pride of Africa – Morocco, 2-0 in Wednesday’s second semi-final tie.
It is safe to say that Messi has been integral to their tournament thus far, demanding more of his team and himself. Having reached the final, he could be in line to win the Golden Ball as he did in 2014. But instead of picking it up on the back of a loss, he would love to collect it after he has lifted the World Cup trophy this time.
Question: Can he clear France out of the way and cement himself in the hearts of Argentinians forever?
The French are also eager to defend the title they snatched in Russia four years ago – and become the only country after Brazil (1958 and 1962) to do so.
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Prof. Dodoo named ARSO President Emeritus
The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) has unanimously conferred Professor Alex Dodoo with the honorary title of President Emeritus following resolutions by both its executive council and general assembly.
The decision, which was taken during the 31st General Assembly of ARSO in Zanzibar, Tanzania, last Friday, recognised Prof. Dodoo’s exceptional leadership in advancing continental standards for trade, safety and sustainable development.
The resolution ensured his continued advisory role in the strategic direction of ARSO while mentoring future standardisation leaders across Africa.
The Secretary-General of ARSO, Dr Hemogene Nsengimana, said the title of President Emeritus was reserved for leaders whose impact transcended their tenure, reflecting lifelong dedication to their field.
Excellence
As immediate past ARSO President and Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority, Prof. Dodoo spearheaded the creation of critical structures within ARSO and influenced harmonisation initiatives supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Professor Dodoo, an expert in pharmaceuticals, public health, and standards regulation, has played a pivotal role in shaping the standardisation landscape of Africa.
Under his leadership, ARSO saw effective collaboration among member states culminating in the general assembly this year, and bringing together a record 34 countries, the highest in the history of the organisation.
The advocacy of Professor Dodoo for “One Standard, One Test, One Acceptance” across Africa has been instrumental in reducing technical barriers to trade and fostering economic integration.
In his new role, Professor Dodoo would continue to provide strategic guidance to ARSO, mentor emerging leaders in standardisation, and champion the voice of Africa in global standards bodies such as the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Professor Dodoo, in his acceptance remark, said, “This honour is not just a personal milestone but shows the collective efforts of all stakeholders working toward a standardised, competitive, and quality-driven Africa.”
He said, “Our journey is far from over, and I remain committed to the vision of an Africa where standards fuel prosperity.”
As President Emeritus, Professor Dodoo is expected to focus on critical areas such as strengthening Africa’s quality infrastructure, advocating for standards in emerging sectors such as renewable energy and digital economies and bridging the gap between academia, industry, and policymakers in standardisation.
Competence
The Executive Director of the Standards Division at the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), Dr Sadhvir Bissoon, said Prof. Dodoo had contributed towards the leadership of the ARSO Council in driving strategy, governance, “reviewing our laws and statutes and ensuring their implementation”.
“I hope he will still serve the needs and aspirations of ARSO in his new role,” he said in an interview with the Daily Graphic.
Private sector leaders who attended the event also lauded Professor Dodoo’s efforts to align African standards with global best practices.
The Regional Director of COTECNA, a key partner in the continental standards community, Antoine Anne, for his part, said the appointment of Professor Dodoo reaffirmed the commitment of the African continent to excellence.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
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EC to conduct elections in selected polling stations at Ablekuma North
As part of its commitment to resolve the impass egarding he Ablekuma North Constituency Parliamentary Election, the Electoral Commission(EC) yesterday, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, met with the representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The meeting, which was a follow-up to an earlier meeting held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, provided both parties the opportunity to brief the commission on any new
developments regarding the said constituency.
The parties informed the Commission that their positions put forward at the last mecting remained unchanged.
The NDC held the view that the election should be rerun thirty -seven
(37) Polling Stations because scanned Pink Sheets from 37 Polling Stations which were used to
collate the results, were provided the NPP.
The NPP was of the view that the results from three (3) outstanding Poling Stations be collated and a winner declared since the NDC Agents had verified and confirmed
the scanned Poling Station results they presented.
According to the EC, it is important for the public to understand that the issue in contention has to do with
the fact that 37 Pink Sheets provided by the NPP and used to colate the results were scanned copies.
“The Public may recall that Political Party supporters besieged our Collation Centre and
destroyed a number of the Pink Sheets for the Ablekuma North Parliamentary Elcction during the collation of results following the December 7 Gencral Election,” the EC added.
After extensive deliberations, the Commission informed the Political Parties that it would
proceed to rerun the election in 19
of the 37 Polling Stations.
The Commission arrived at the decision to rerun the election in the underlisted Polling Stations because, the scanned Polling Station resuits used for the collation, though approved by Agents of both political Parties, were not verified by the Presiding Officers responsible for the Polling
Stations.
According to the EC, it is instructive to note that the Commission was able to secure the Presiding Officers
verification and confirmation for 18 scanned Polling Station results-
Agents of both parties also approved same.
The election will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025
The Commission has further urged the Ghana Police Service to provide the needed security to ensure a safe environment for the conduct of the election.
