Lionel Messi has been told it would be a "joke" for him to miss a "final dance" with Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi has cut an angry figure at times this season, with the Argentine involved in a behind the scenes clash with a Venezuelan rival.

David Beckham has fuelled speculation surrounding Lionel Messi's future with Argentina in a heartfelt tribute to the legendary forward.

Lionel Messi cast further doubt on his international career with Argentina as the legendary player shared an emotional note after what was potentially his final home game for the world champions. Messi scored twice in the 3-0 thumping of Venezuela on Thursday, but after the match the Argentine skipper hinted that he might not feature at the upcoming World Cup.

Jamal Musiala has been dubbed irreplaceable "like Lionel Messi" by German icon, Lothar Matthaus, after a shock World Cup qualifying defeat to Slovakia. The Bayern Munich midfielder fractured his fibula and damaged ankle ligaments following a brutal collision with Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the Club World Cup. The 22-year-old was stretchered off in Atlanta, visibly distraught, and Bayern later confirmed he requires surgery that will sideline him for several months.