FILE PHOTO: Aleksandr Dmitriev plays with his family pet Messi, a two-year-eight-month-old cougar, in the town of Penza PENZA, Russia (Reuters) - In the mornings, Aleksandr Dmitriev is woken by his ...

SARANSK, Russia, June 22 (Reuters) - Barely 20 months ago a Russian couple were oblivious of the basic rules of soccer. Now they are ardent fans and the transformation can only be attributed to Messi ...

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) MESSI'S OWNER, ALEKSANDR DMITRIEV, SAYING: "As much as I attached to him as much he is attached to me. In fact we have this very strong bond between each other. When for example ...

SARANSK, Russia (Reuters) - Barely 20 months ago a Russian couple were oblivious of the basic rules of soccer. Now they are ardent fans and the transformation can only be attributed to Messi -- not ...

PENZA, Russia (Reuters) – In the mornings, Aleksandr Dmitriev is woken by his pet cat Messi nuzzling against his neck. Messi loves having his fur combed, and bounding around batting at a large green ...

Matt Harmon explains why he'll be targeting Bo Nix and four other players he's high on this fantasy football draft season. Wong announced that he's hanging up his cleats this weekend during a ceremony ...

SARANSK, Russia (Reuters) - Barely 20 months ago a Russian couple were oblivious of the basic rules of soccer. Now they are ardent fans and the transformation can only be attributed to Messi -- not ...