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Argentina news

Golden Boot GFX

World Cup Golden Boot standings: Mbappe pulls level with Messi

The 2026 World Cup is well underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long and winding road to be navigated as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL tracks the tournament's most prolific stars.

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Vozinha reveals Messi praise after Argentina clash

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has opened up about a touching exchange with Lionel Messi following his side's heartbreaking World Cup exit at the hands of Argentina. Despite the minnows falling to a narrow defeat, the shot-stopper’s exceptional performance did not go unnoticed by the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

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WC26 Power Rankings: Argentina lose top spot!

The real World Cup is finally under way! After a group phase almost completely devoid of jeopardy because of the tournament's farcical format, the first batch of knockout games treated us to some long overdue drama, with Germany and Netherlands among the big names to fall in the round of 32. A couple more heavyweights could have been kayoed too, though.

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World Cup value tracker: Olise bosses it as Anderson drops again

Excitement is growing as we move through the knockout stages at the 2026 World Cup and, throughout the showpiece tournament in North America, GOAL, in association with eToro, is tracking the value of some of the world's most sought-after talents. Will their price rise or plummet? Follow our unique player value tracker to find out...

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Romero to the rescue as Messi's Argentina suffer massive scare

Cristian Romero scored an extra-time winner, Lionel Messi grabbed a goal, but Argentina were given a real scare by Cape Verde in an uncomfortable 3-2 win to advance to the World Cup Round of 16. Argentina surrendered the lead twice, and needed extra time to finally gain daylight from a Cape Verde side that, in truth, deserved so much more.

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Explained: Why Ronaldo gets more criticism than Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo retains the ability to make “people shut their mouth”, Louis Saha has told GOAL, with a former Manchester United team-mate of CR7 explaining why the Portuguese superstar attracts more criticism than fellow GOAT Lionel Messi. Both men are currently on 2026 World Cup duty, with more questions being put to an evergreen European frontman than his eternal South American rival is facing.

Jordan v Argentina: Group J - FIFA World Cup 2026

Scaloni addresses Messi reliance ahead of Cape Verde tie

Lionel Scaloni has defended Argentina's attacking variety ahead of their World Cup knockout opener against tournament surprise package Cape Verde in Miami. The manager insists he remains completely unconcerned by his talismanic captain's heavy goalscoring burden, despite the veteran forward netting six goals during the group stage.

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World Cup Golden Ball Power Rankings: Messi in at No.1

The 2026 World Cup is underway as those still in contention fight it out for the universally coveted trophy. While the collective prize is the main objective for all competitors, some are already making their claim as the best player of the entire tournament. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are currently the top candidates, but they face intense competition as we go further into the knockout rounds.

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Fernandez 'looking for a way out of Chelsea'

Enzo Fernandez's representative, Javier Pastore, has admitted the Chelsea midfielder's camp is exploring a move away from Stamford Bridge. While no deal is in place, the Argentine also addressed the player's links with Real Madrid and insisted the player remains fully focused on the 2026 World Cup.

USA v Bosnia and Herzegovina: Round Of 32 - FIFA World Cup 2026

Balogun red card sparks Messi comparison as USMNT fume

The USMNT's victory over Bosnia was overshadowed by Folarin Balogun's controversial red card, with Mauricio Pochettino insisting the striker's challenge was accidental. Alexi Lalas also questioned why a similar incident involving Lionel Messi earlier in the tournament went unpunished, sparking accusations of inconsistent officiating.

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Messi & Mbappe the stars but Iniesta backs Yamal and Spain for glory

Andres Iniesta has backed Lamine Yamal to guide Spain to a second World Cup star, despite the teenager battling injury issues. Iniesta also highlighted the brilliance of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who lead the scoring charts. Spain have progressed to face Austria, while France have already reached the last 16 in a highly unpredictable tournament.

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Messi-Ronaldo rivalry will never be repeated, says Kahn

Former Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has paid a glowing tribute to the historic rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Bayern Munich icon believes the two superstars created a unique standard of consistency that world football will never witness again, as both legends continue their historic battle at the World Cup.

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'Messi doesn't upset team-mates' - CR7 'accident waiting to happen'

England icon John Barnes has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo's attitude could derail Portugal in the World Cup knockout stages, describing the situation as an accident waiting to happen. In contrast, Barnes praised Lionel Messi, highlighting how the Argentina captain's humble nature unites his team-mates, unlike Ronaldo who creates tension when things do not go his way.

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🎥| Messi meets Holland in hilarious Spider-Man promo

Lionel Messi has proven he is a superhero on the pitch for decades, but the legendary Argentine has now taken things a step further by appearing alongside Tom Holland in a viral crossover. The Inter Miami star features in a hilarious new teaser for the upcoming Marvel blockbuster Spider-Man: Brand New Day.