AP Sports SummaryBrief at 9:35 a.m. EST

Messi fans from Asia cheer on Argentina at World Cup

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Argentina is finding a legion of passionate superfans from India, Bangladesh and other Asian countries at the World Cup in Qatar. Thousands have traveled to Qatar specifically to see Messi and his team with their own eyes. Many others are among migrant workers that make up about 90% of the country’s population of 3 million. Qatar-based Smitha Issac from India attended Argentina’s final group game against Poland with her family on Wednesday. Isaac said Lionel Messi “is something like Messiah.”

AP source: Rose Bowl clears way for 12-team CFP in 2024

Rose Bowl game organizers have cleared the way for the College Football Playoff to expand to 12 teams starting in the 2024 season. They’ve told CFP officials they are willing to alter agreements for the first two years of the larger playoff. A person with knowledge of the discussions between game organizers and CFP officials told The Associated Press that the Rose Bowl is prepared to be flexible and wants to continue to be part of the College Football Playoff beyond 2025. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the presidents and chancellors who oversee the playoff still needed to give final approval on expansion plans.

England’s Rice admits mid-season World Cup taking its toll

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — It’s time to take note when even Declan Rice admits a mid-season World Cup is proving physically challenging, The workhorse England midfielder said he was feeling the strain after playing three games already in Qatar with a match against Senegal in the round of 16 coming up Sunday. Rice said “You know what? It’s been a little bit tough on the legs.” He played the entirety of his country’s opening two Group B games but was substituted after 58 minutes of the 3-0 win against Wales on Tuesday.

LeBron: Media disparity between Jones photo, Irving comments

LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James has questions about the disparity of media scrutiny he believes is being applied to a 1957 photo of Jerry Jones and the recent controversy surrounding Kyrie Irving. The photo of Jones, captured by an Associated Press photographer, shows him standing among a group of white students at North Little Rock High School in Arkansas on Sept. 9, 1957. The group was blocking six Black students who were attempting to desegregate the school. James said that Black athletes get more scrutiny when “we do something wrong or something that people don’t agree with” but that the Jones picture “seems like it’s just been buried under.”

Beckham to kick off free-agent tour by visiting Giants

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. will kick off what is anticipated to be a three-city free agency tour when he meets Thursday with the New York Giants, the team that drafted him in 2014. Beckham is expected to talk with coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. Medical personnel also will examine his left knee. Beckham has torn the ACL in the knee twice, the last time in the Super Bowl in February while playing for the champion Los Angles Rams. He has been rehabbing the knee and is looking for a job. Beckham is also expected to visit the Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys.

Deshaun Watson practicing, not talking ahead of Browns debut

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Deshaun Watson is ready to play, not talk. Cleveland’s starting quarterback didn’t address the media before practicing for the first time since being reinstated by the NFL from his 11-game suspension stemming from accusations of sexual misconduct. Watson has been accused of harassment and assault by more than two dozen women for his actions during massage therapy sessions. Watson will make his debut for the Browns on Sunday against the Houston Texans, who traded him to Cleveland in March. The 27-year-old Watson accepted the league ban, a $5 million fine and agreed to undergo therapy and counseling.

World Cup Viewer’s Guide: Germany must win for last-16 shot

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Germany must win in its final game of the group stage against Costa Rica on Thursday to have any shot of advancing at the World Cup. Or the four-time World Cup champions will go home early for a second consecutive tournament. Germany was knocked out as reigning World Cup champions in group play four years ago in Russia. But even a victory might not be enough. Spain still has some work left to do in Group E as it prepares to take on Japan. Croatia needs only a draw against Belgium in Group F to ensure its place in the round of 16. Morocco will advance with a victory or a draw on Thursday against already-eliminated Canada

Portugal looking to avoid Brazil by winning World Cup group

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Back-to-back wins, qualification with a game to spare and Cristiano Ronaldo already among the goals. The group stage could hardly have gone any better for Portugal at the World Cup. But there’s still one loose end to tie up. Portugal needs a point in its last Group H match against South Korea to guarantee finishing in first place. That might come with a perk: Avoiding Brazil in the last 16. Portugal coach Fernando Santos says that would be a great game, but “our wish, and Brazil’s, is that we meet later on.”

Messi and Argentina advance at World Cup, beat Poland 2-0

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi will grace the World Cup stage at least one more time. The Argentina great had a penalty saved but his team still beat Poland 2-0 after second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez and advanced to the last 16. Argentina finished in first place in Group C to set up a match against surprise qualifier Australia. Poland also advanced despite the loss. Argentina has bounced back from opening the World Cup with a shocking 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia. Messi’s likely final World Cup rolls onto Saturday. He will be relieved after failing to score a penalty for the second straight World Cup.

Devin Booker scores 51 points in 3 quarters, Suns rout Bulls

PHOENIX (AP) — Devin Booker scored a season-high 51 points in just three quarters, Deandre Ayton had 30 points and 14 rebounds and the Phoenix Suns stretched their winning streak to six games with a 132-113 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night. Booker scored 25 points in the first half and had 26 more in a sublime third quarter. After a contested 3-pointer splashed through the net, “MVP! MVP!” chants broke out across Footprint Arena, and the 26-year-old is certainly making an early season case. The three-time All-Star had a steal late in the third before sprinting downcourt and flushing home a dunk for his 50th and 51st points. He added six assists and four rebounds. DeMar DeRozan led Chicago with 29 points.