Monday marks 40 years since Diego Maradona's defining performance in Argentina's 2-1 win over England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium.
Former India coach Stephen Constantine shares his views on Lionel Messi, ranking him below Pele, Maradona, and Ronaldinho due to his reliance on teammates for defensive work. He also predicts Spain will win the upcoming final against Argentina, despite acknowledging Argentina's experience and Messi's match-winning ability. Constantine further discusses England's semi-final exit and criticises hydration breaks and refereeing controversies.
A psychologist testifies in Diego Maradona's death trial, stating the football legend had bipolar disorder and required strict alcohol abstinence.
Cape Verde head into the biggest match in their football history full of belief, with coach Pedro Leitao Brito insisting his side will play "with courage" against defending champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
Argentina and England are set to clash in a World Cup semi-final, marking their first such encounter, a match deeply rooted in decades of historical and footballing rivalry, including infamous incidents involving Antonio Rattin, Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal, and the Falklands War.
Argentina's dark blue away jersey holds significant historical and superstitious value for the team, particularly in World Cup encounters against England. The team will wear this kit in their upcoming semi-final, hoping to replicate past successes from 1986 and 1998, where the blue jersey was worn during famous victories over England. Both coaches acknowledge the role of superstition in high-level sports, though Argentina's coach downplays the specific jersey choice. The jersey also features cultural motifs.
An Argentine war veterans federation has urged football fans to prioritise the World Cup semi-final against England as a sporting event, rather than using it to reignite sovereignty claims over the Falkland/Malvinas Islands. They emphasised diplomacy for territorial disputes and called for respect for fallen soldiers without promoting hatred.
Ahead of their World Cup semi-final clash against England, Argentina fans are engaging in traditional 'cabalas' or superstitions, including freezing captain Harry Kane's name, to bring their national team good fortune on the pitch.
Former Argentina coach Jose Pekerman reflects on Lionel Messi's 2006 World Cup debut, stating he always believed the then 18-year-old would become one of the game's defining figures and that every minute on the pitch was crucial for his development.
Since the FIFA World Cup's inaugural tournament in 1930, 23 competitions have occurred up to 2026. Interestingly, only 8 countries have succeeded in claiming the famous trophy and on Sunday, Spain added their second title.
England's football team has reached the World Cup semi-finals, demonstrating significant resilience by overcoming setbacks. They are set to face old rivals Argentina, a match steeped in history. The team's success is largely attributed to the partnership of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have scored a combined 12 goals. Coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledges the team's fighting spirit but also sees room for improvement as they aim to end a 60-year wait for a World Cup title.
The 2026 World Cup has been marred by widespread controversy surrounding the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, with coaches, players, and fans criticising its application, consistency, and impact on match outcomes, leading to a significant increase in interventions and red cards.
Lionel Messi's Argentina take on Jude Bellingham's England in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, reviving one of football's greatest rivalries with a place in the final on the line.
Inspirational Lionel Messi would like to end his glittering career on a high as Argentina begin their World Cup defence on June 17 against Algeria in their Group J encounter.
Argentina start their bid for back-to-back World Cups on Tuesday with a side full of familiar faces from Qatar 2022, facing an Algerian team buoyed by warm-up wins and featuring a 20-year-old rising star nicknamed after Diego Maradona.
As PSG prepare for another showdown, against Arsenal at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, the Georgian has become one of the symbols of Luis Enrique's exhilarating side, adding improvisation and menace to a team already overflowing with attacking talent.
Real Madrid great Jose Emilio Santamaria, a defender who won four European Cups with the club, has died at the age of 96, the Spanish side announced on Wednesday.
Diego Milito will have the same chance as Argentina's other in-form strikers to earn a place in their World Cup side, coach Diego Maradona said on Sunday.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma received a signed Lionel Messi jersey and expressed his excitement on social media.
Diego Maradona will decide whether to stay on as Argentina coach after a meeting next week, the head of the country's football association said on Tuesday.
Diego Maradona dedicated victory to the mothers of Argentina after his team Al Wasl made a winning start to their league season with a 3-0 win over Sharjah on Sunday.
Tottenham Hotspur have appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their manager on a long-term contract, the Premier League club said on Tuesday, and the Italian coach has seven games to steer the North London side to safety.
Lionel Messi has surpassed Diego Maradona as the greatest player of all time, Argentina's World Cup winning coach Lionel Scaloni said.
The former Boca Juniors and Napoli player coached Argentina at the 2010 World Cup, where his team were beaten 4-0 by Germany at the quarter-final stage
have Jose Mourinho on your bedside table for advice seems a novel way of resolving a problem that keeps you awake at night during the World Cup. The tournament is going well for Argentina but Diego Maradona said he might give new Real Madrid manager Mourinho a ring if he felt the need to discuss a tactical issue.
Diego Maradona could take over as coach following the 2006 World Cup, Argentina Football Association president Julio Grondona said.
A round-up of Tuesday's action in the UEFA Champions League.
The former Argentina captain has been offered the job of youth team coach at Boca Juniors.
IMAGES from football matches played across Europe on Sunday
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
'On doctor's advice he will dedicate his time to his health and have two operations, on his shoulder and his knee'
Diego Maradona said on Friday he would like to coach Argentina following the surprise resignation of Alfio Basile the previous day. 'I would be really delighted, who wouldn't, to coach the national team," he said in a telephone interview with the TyC Sports cable channel when asked if he would like a chance. '
Diego Maradona's contract as national team coach has not been renewed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), AFA spokesman Ernesto Cherquis Bialo said
Maradona was visiting the Central American nation on Wednesday where he was due to meet directors of the Honduran federation.
Diego Maradona could decide his future on Wednesday when he is expected to meet Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Julio Grondona.
Maradona was worshipped like a god for his genius with the ball.
Diego Maradona has been invited by Colombia's FARC to play for their team in a soccer 'Game for Peace' during talks in Cuba between the rebels and the Colombian government looking to settle a decades-old conflict.
Diego Maradona fights for his future as Argentina's World Cup coach when he sends his team out against Peru on Saturday. Maradona, whose side are flirting with elimination in a playoff berth, believes his players will get the victories they need to remain on course for the 2010 finals in South Africa.
A summary of sports events and sports persons, who made news on Monday.
