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Argentina

Argentina news

World Cup flops GFX

GOAL writers predict which teams will flop at the World Cup

It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just a two days away, with the best players from around the globe descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for what promises to be a superb summer of football. While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in late-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for five-and-a-half weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.

World Cup Power Rankings GFX

WC26 Power Rankings: Spain stay No.1 as Brazil & U.S. climb

There really is nothing like the World Cup. Even just qualifying generates a level of nationwide excitement that the club game simply cannot match, which is why we witnessed truly joyous scenes all across the globe as one country after another secured a spot at this summer's festival of football in North America. The final six participants were confirmed in March, with Sweden, Turkiye, Czechia and Bosnia & Herzegovina taking the four remaining slots in Europe, while Iraq and DR Congo came out of the inter-confederation play-offs.

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Six biggest selection debates facing the World Cup favourites

We are now just days away, and World Cup fever is gripping the globe as teams from 48 countries descend on the United States, Mexico and Canada for the biggest tournament FIFA have ever staged. Managers are making their final plans ahead of the opening round of group games, but for some there are still massive decisions to be made.

Spain vs Iraq - Friendlies

Explained: Why ALL squad players must join World Cup pre-match anthems

FIFA has announced a significant protocol modification that will see every squad member take part in the pre-match national anthems at the upcoming World Cup. Moving away from traditional sporting custom, football's global governing body has mandated that both starting line-ups and substitutes congregate together on the pitch ahead of kick-off.

Kylian Mbappe France 2026

'Might awaken demons' - Mbappe reveals game he'll NEVER watch

France captain Kylian Mbappe has candidly admitted that he has never rewatched his country's heartbreaking 2022 World Cup final defeat against Argentina. Despite netting a historic hat-trick during the thrilling showpiece event in Qatar, the Real Madrid superstar confessed that revisiting the painful memory could reopen old psychological wounds.

Lionel Messi Argentina 2025

Now’s the time! Why historic Messi meeting shouldn’t scare England

England have never come up against Lionel Messi, and Robbie Fowler has told GOAL why the 2026 World Cup could be the perfect occasion in which to cross paths with the Argentine GOAT. The ex-Three Lions frontman says the 2022 champion should not scare Thomas Tuchel’s side, while a reunion with old adversaries Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal should also be embraced.

Lionel Messi Argentina

Barca congratulate Messi on prestigious Spanish award

Lionel Messi has added yet another illustrious trophy to his unparalleled collection after being named the winner of the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. The Inter Miami superstar succeeds tennis legend Serena Williams in receiving one of Spain's highest distinctions, sparking a wave of congratulations from across the globe, including from his former home at Barcelona.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winners Arrive to Buenos Aires

Retirement plan? GOAT Messi will ‘play as long as he wants’

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has revealed that Lionel Messi has full control over his retirement timeline. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the World Cup-winning boss explained the elite mentality that keeps the Inter Miami superstar playing at the highest level, insisting the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner remains the absolute best because of his unquenchable thirst for success.

Portugal v Hungary - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Dias not convinced 2026 will be 'last dance' for Ronaldo & Messi

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias is not convinced the 2026 World Cup will mark the end for veterans like 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, defending champion Lionel Messi, 38, and Luka Modric, 40. The Portuguese centre-back discussed the immense motivation his squad feels to capture the only major trophy their iconic captain has failed to win.

Argentina v Mauritania - International Friendly

Revealed: Unique perk that Messi enjoys in Argentina squad

Argentina legend Lionel Messi is receiving special treatment at the team's training camp ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America. As he prepares to lead his nation in a record-breaking sixth tournament, the Inter Miami star has been granted a unique luxury not given to anyone else in the squad, allowing him to focus entirely on defending the crown they won in Qatar.

Lionel Messi Argentina GFX

Messi completed football - so why play another World Cup?

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni included Lionel Messi in his 2026 World Cup squad on Thursday, even though his captain isn't "fully fit". Of course, neither revelation was particularly surprising. Messi was widely expected to be a part of his the Albiceleste's title defence - just as it was always unlikely that he'd been in optimal physical condition.

Argentina v Zambia - International Friendly

Farewell tour: Messi all smiles as he checks in with Argentina

The reigning world champions have officially touched down in the United States as they begin the final countdown to their title defence. Lionel Messi led the Albiceleste squad into Kansas City on Sunday, sparking a frenzy of excitement and inevitable questions about whether this summer represents his international swan song.

World Cup iconic moments GFX

RANKED: 100 most iconic moments in World Cup history

The World Cup has had no shortage of iconic moments across nearly 100 years of history. Every four years, billions of fans congregate to watch a tournament that has provided more drama, heartbreak and joy than any other event in sporting history. Football's grandest stage, the World Cup has always offered a platform for legends to be born, but it has also seen reputations destroyed and the downfall of so many famous faces.

Lionel Messi Argentina

Messi called in for a record sixth WC as Argentina announce squad

After a week of speculation about Lionel Messi's fitness, Argentina received good news Thursday: the 38-year-old was named to Lionel Scaloni's 26-man World Cup squad. Messi exited Inter Miami's final match before the World Cup break with what the club described as left hamstring muscle overload. His inclusion puts a record sixth World Cup within reach.

Messi-Vinicius

Vinicius admits Messi fear ahead of 2026 World Cup

Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Junior has admitted that Lionel Messi's presence makes Argentina one of the favourites to win the World Cup again this summer. The Selecao winger believes Messi's unpredictable style of play can still give their arch-rivals an edge when they defend their global crown in North America.

Real Madrid CF v Athletic Club - LaLiga EA Sports

Madrid's Mastantuono faces Argentina World Cup squad chop

Real Madrid starlet Franco Mastantuono faces a nervous wait as he risks being dropped from Argentina's final World Cup squad. Despite reporting for international duty in peak physical condition, the teenage attacker could still be omitted by manager Lionel Scaloni before Sunday's deadline due to purely tactical considerations.