Lionel Messi's emotional display at La Bombonera, with tears and heartfelt appreciation, has sparked speculation about his potential retirement from international football, despite his continued commitment to the upcoming World Cup.
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos addressed Lionel Messi's return to play following the recent demise of his father, Jorge. Hoyos emphasised the need for "silence, calm and peace" for Messi to grieve and dictate his schedule, highlighting the club's supportive approach as they manage the superstar's on-field comeback amidst crucial MLS fixtures.
Lionel Messi has shared a deeply personal and emotional tribute to his late father, Jorge Messi, on Instagram, expressing his profound grief and recalling his father's encouragement to play in one final World Cup.
Jose Mourinho praised Kylian Mbappe's relentless hunger to make history at Real Madrid after his hat-trick inspired a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad at Santiago Bernabeu.
The 2026 Hockey World Cup saw Argentina break the Netherlands' dominance in women's hockey, while Germany successfully defended their men's title. The tournament, co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium, featured simultaneous men's and women's events, highlighting shifting hierarchies and India's mixed performance with promising women's results and disappointing men's outcomes.
The Kerala Sports Department has submitted its confidential inquiry report regarding the controversy surrounding the proposed visit of football legend Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to the state during the previous government's tenure.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni expressed deep emotion and hinted at a review of his future after his team's 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final. He spoke about giving their utmost and needing time to reflect, while also praising Lionel Messi, who was also visibly upset after the defeat.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has voiced strong support for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup, emphasising that performance, not age, should be the primary criterion for selection.
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in a dramatic World Cup final after extra time, preventing Argentina from staging another of their characteristic comebacks. Lionel Messi, who had been instrumental in previous matches, was effectively neutralised by the Spanish defence, leaving Argentina without an answer and unable to register a shot on target for much of the game.
Lionel Messi's Argentina celebrate after their come-from-behind win over England in the FIFA World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
Defending champions Argentina are motivated by their passionate fans to win the World Cup again, with manager Lionel Scaloni and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez highlighting the emotional connection with supporters as a key driver ahead of their final clash with Spain.
A brief brawl erupted at the final whistle of the World Cup final after Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina, sparked by Argentina's Leandro Paredes shoving Spain's Gavi, leading to intervention from Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
France striker Kylian Mbappe has become the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 22 goals, surpassing Lionel Messi's 21 goals, after netting twice in France's third-place play-off match against England.
In Peru, there is a wave of new baby Haalands. In Argentina, Lionel has raced up the rankings, and in Mexico a girl was reportedly named after three soccer players. Parents in Latin America are already christening a new generation of babies after the stars of the World Cup.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni believes 39-year-old Lionel Messi will continue to be the world's best player for as long as he desires, dismissing age concerns as Messi dominates the World Cup with eight crucial goals.
'That's not just a football victory -- that's the heartbeat of an entire nation'
Lionel Messi is aiming for the Golden Boot and a record third Golden Ball at the World Cup final against Spain.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni lauded his team's ability to perform under pressure, stating they 'play its best football when it's under pressure' after their dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against England secured a spot in the World Cup final.
Argentina staged a dramatic comeback, scoring two late goals to defeat England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final, with Lionel Messi orchestrating the turnaround after England had taken the lead.
Lionel Messi's profound influence, marked by crucial assists and strategic play, was instrumental in Argentina's victory over England, securing their spot in a second successive World Cup final. Despite not scoring, his collective contribution and energy preservation were key to the team's success, culminating in two late assists for the equaliser and winning goal.
Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will face-off as defending champions Argentina meet reigning European champions Spain in the FIFA World Cup final, in New York on Saturday.
Lionel Messi shared insights into Argentina's World Cup preparations in Miami, posting training moments on Instagram. The defending champions are gearing up for their Round of 32 clash against Cabo Verde, with Messi, at 39, remaining a pivotal figure for the team's success.
Lionel Messi will face England for the first time in his career when Argentina meet the Three Lions in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, ending a 20-year wait for one of football's most anticipated match-ups.
The arguments over who is the greatest footballer of all time will rage on until the end of days, but you would have to go back to Diego Maradona or Pele to find a player with a similar individual influence on World Cup success.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has strongly condemned the post-match clashes that marred the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, calling the behaviour of Argentina's players 'unacceptable' after his side lifted the trophy with a dramatic extra-time victory.
Messi, who said he was thoroughly enjoying the ride at his sixth World Cup and giving no thought to retirement, was looking forward to locking horns with 2010 champions Spain in New Jersey on Sunday.
Spain's Rodri claimed the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, Unai Simon won the Golden Glove, and Pau Cubarsi was named the Best Young Player, leaving Lionel Messi without another personal honour despite his impressive World Cup performance.
Argentina's hopes of securing back-to-back World Cup titles were dashed after a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the final, leaving fans in Buenos Aires with a "bitter sensation" despite acknowledging Spain's strong performance.
'Dolly Parton managed to give the world the ultimate mystery and fantasy in some corners of her life, but to give full transparency in the ways that counted. Somehow she was true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person.'
Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul highlights Lionel Messi's contentment and record-breaking performance as a significant morale booster for the team, who are 'one step away' from another World Cup final and preparing to face England.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha and Norway striker Erling Haaland have been named in the fan-voted FIFA World Cup dream team, with both rewarded for standout performances during unexpected runs by their teams.
An emotional Lionel Messi broke down in tears after inspiring Argentina to a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt, sending the defending champions into the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after they had stared at a shock exit.
Lionel Messi extended his record by scoring in a ninth straight FIFA World Cup match as Argentina fought back from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 and keep their title defence alive.
The World Cup final offers football's grandest stage a deliciously odd pairing: Argentina, all pulse, fire and Lionel Messi, against Spain, the European champions who appear to treat chaos as an administrative error and have turned control into something close to an art form.
Argentina's conduct after their World Cup final defeat to Spain has come under fire, with players and fans facing criticism for their actions during the trophy presentation and post-match celebrations.
Lamine Yamal's working-class neighbourhood, Rocafonda, is filled with pride as the Spanish forward prepares for the World Cup final against Lionel Messi's Argentina. The story highlights Yamal's deep connection to his roots, his admiration for Messi, and how he honours his community through gestures like his "304" hand sign and wearing a Rocafonda headband.
From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Cape Verde's fairytale run, VAR controversies and unforgettable fan moments, relive the memories that made the 2026 FIFA World Cup the biggest and most dramatic tournament in history.
Spain captain Rodri has expressed his team's ambition and hunger ahead of the World Cup final against Argentina. He highlighted Spain's gradual growth and well-rounded team play, while acknowledging Argentina's competitive spirit and the formidable presence of Lionel Messi. Rodri anticipates a physical battle and draws inspiration from Spain's 2010 World Cup victory.
Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, have shown remarkable resilience in the World Cup knockout stages, overcoming a 2-0 deficit against Egypt and needing extra time against Cape Verde to reach the quarter-finals against Switzerland.
Lionel Messi's unparalleled influence extends beyond his on-field performance, transforming opponents into admirers. This phenomenon, dubbed the 'Messi effect,' sees rival players expressing awe and seeking mementos after matches, highlighting his profound impact on the current generation of footballers.
