Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39 following Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The legendary forward confirmed his decision on social media, prompting a heartfelt tribute from his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, celebrating his historic achievements.
Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39 following Argentina's 2026 World Cup campaign. The legendary captain leaves La Albiceleste after six World Cup appearances, admitting that the recent passing of his father convinced him to step down.
Lionel Messi has officially called time on his legendary international career following Argentina's heartbreaking defeat in the World Cup final. The 39-year-old icon, widely regarded as the greatest player to ever grace the pitch, confirmed the news in an emotional statement that signals the end of a two-decade journey with La Albiceleste.
Chelsea have confirmed the capture of World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa. The 33-year-old Argentina international arrives at Stamford Bridge on a two-year contract, with an option for a further season, offering elite-level experience to the Blues' defensive ranks.
Leandro Paredes has broken his silence regarding the heavy disciplinary sanctions handed down by FIFA following the chaotic conclusion to the World Cup final, which saw Spain secure a 1-0 victory in extra time thanks to a goal from Ferran Torres. The Argentine midfielder, who now plies his trade for Boca Juniors, was hit with a significant suspension for his role in the post-match altercations.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has successfully negotiated a loophole with FIFA to reduce the impact of severe suspensions handed to Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina. Both players were heavily sanctioned following a violent brawl after their World Cup final defeat to Spain, but a new ruling means they can serve their bans during upcoming friendly fixtures.
European football's governing body, UEFA, has initiated explosive criminal legal proceedings against FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino. The legal challenge centers on a controversial and now-abandoned proposal to sell off significant commercial stakes in the World Cup and other major global competitions to private investment firms.
Barcelona have officially abandoned plans to honour their eight Spanish World Cup winners ahead of Thursday's La Liga fixture against Athletic Club. The decision follows recent clashes between supporters and national police, prompting the Catalan club to scrap the pre-match ceremony at Camp Nou amid rising political tensions.
UEFA is prepared to formally withdraw its threat to boycott FIFA competitions following a period of intense friction between the two governing bodies. The decision comes after European leaders received firm assurances that Gianni Infantino's controversial and now-failed plan to sell off World Cup rights to private investors will not be resurrected.
Next week, the first notable FIFA tournament since Gianni Infantino's controversial FFE proposal will kick-off, with European teams set to be involved despite threats to the contrary
Former player Cafu has publicly praised FIFA and president Gianni Infantino for their efforts in improving player representation across world football. The icon took to Instagram to highlight the governing body's ongoing work to ensure former professionals have a legitimate voice in modern governance.
France World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit has delivered a scathing assessment of the current state of FIFA, calling for a total overhaul of the governing body's leadership. The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder is one of several high-profile figures to put their name to an open letter denouncing the actions of president Gianni Infantino and other top officials.
The appointment of Fabien Barthez to Zinedine Zidane's new-look France backroom staff has sparked a heated debate regarding coaching qualifications at the highest level of international football. While critics have questioned the French Football Federation’s decision to hire a coach without the required diplomas, legendary figures have jumped to the defense of the iconic former shot-stopper.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the benefits of global football investment during a visit to the Dominican Republic for the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) U-14 Challenge Series. Meeting with regional leaders, he reaffirmed his commitment to narrowing the gap between major footballing nations and the rest of the world.
Aston Villa wonderkid Brian Madjo has been advised to use Manchester City striker Erling Haaland as the perfect role model, with Emile Heskey telling GOAL why the 17-year-old striker could end up being England’s long-term successor to Harry Kane in their No.9 berth. Such a standing remains a long way off for now, but there is plenty of potential to be unlocked.
Cristiano Ronaldo is fast closing in on 1,000 competitive career goals, but could the Portuguese GOAT retire once that milestone has been reached? Former Manchester United team-mate Giuseppe Rossi has attempted to answer that question for GOAL, with future questions being asked of the legendary frontman in Al-Nassr and Portugal camps.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has sensationally ruled himself out of the running for the FIFA presidency, but he has not pulled his punches regarding the future of Gianni Infantino. The Slovenian official insists that the current head of world football must either resign or prepare for a fierce leadership challenge at the upcoming FIFA Congress.
The match ball used in Argentina's infamous 1986 World Cup quarter-final win over England has sold for $3.35 million (£2.6m) at auction. Despite initial pre-sale estimates reaching up to $10m, the artefact from Diego Maradona's legendary "Hand of God" performance drew substantial interest before the hammer fell on Saturday evening.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has been sensationally urged to skip a youth football tournament in the Dominican Republic this weekend by Concacaf president Victor Montagliani. The request comes as pressure mounts on the global governing body's leadership following a series of controversial proposals that have sparked a significant civil war within football's power structures.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino explored ambitious plans with private investors to create a 211-nation Under-15 World Cup inspired by baseball's Little League. The commercial blueprint included staging ceremonies at Walt Disney World and an opening fixture between Israel and Palestine before the concept was quietly shelved ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
England could finally be set to bring the World Cup back to British soil as plans emerge for a potential bid to host the tournament in 2038 or 2042. The ambitious project, reportedly backed by high-level political figures, aims to end a decades-long wait to stage the world's most prestigious football event.
Argentina stars Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina have received historic suspensions from FIFA following a massive brawl at the end of the World Cup final against Spain last month. The Argentine duo face a combined ban of 17 matches after disgraceful scenes marred the conclusion of the showpiece event, overshadowing Spain's dramatic extra-time victory.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is preparing a lucrative new contract extension for head coach Luis de la Fuente following their historic 2026 World Cup triumph. The governing body intends to extend his existing deal, which runs until 2028, to keep him in charge through the 2030 tournament, which Spain will co-host alongside Portugal and Morocco.
Brazilian icon Ronaldinho has sent shockwaves through the footballing world after touching down in Italy to officially link up with Serie C outfit Ravenna. The former Ballon d'Or winner, now 46, was greeted by thousands of fans, though mystery still surrounds whether he will actually swap retirement for the grit of the Italian third tier or strictly serve in an off-field role.
The Argentine Football Association has released an emotional video claiming an orchestrated anti-Argentina campaign failed to halt their march to the 2026 World Cup Final. One month after falling short against Spain in the showpiece match, the Albiceleste reflected on their dramatic tournament journey and historic semi-final triumph over England.
FIFA has confirmed the departure of its chief operating officer Kevin Lamour following a period of intense friction within the governing body's hierarchy. The senior executive has left his post just weeks after launching a scathing public attack on president Gianni Infantino regarding controversial plans to commercialise the World Cup.
Advocacy group FairSquare has formally requested that FIFA rule president Gianni Infantino ineligible to stand for re-election next year. The non-profit organisation argues that allowing Infantino to run for a fourth term directly violates FIFA statutes regarding presidential term limits.
Scotland have officially confirmed the appointment of Sebastien Pocognoli as their new head coach on a two-year contract. The former Monaco manager replaces Steve Clarke, who departed following a disappointing group-stage elimination at the recent World Cup. Pocognoli now faces the immediate task of preparing the national team for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen has opened up on his decision to remain at the London Stadium despite the club's painful relegation to the Championship. The 29-year-old forward, who was heavily linked with a move away to maintain his top-flight status, insisted that his deep connection with the Hammers made the choice clear.
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