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How Messi completed football at the 2022 World Cup

In the winter of 2022, under the lights of Lusail, Lionel Messi finally realised the dream he'd carried with him his entire life. After years of unrelenting pressure, bitter heartbreak and agonising near-misses, Argentina’s captain rose above expectation on football’s grandest stage to deliver his country the perfect ending - and to fulfill his own destiny. Welcome to the latest episode of Icons - a GOAL podcast that revisits the last 10 World Cups through the moments, characters, and controversies that defined them, bringing the spirit of each tournament vividly back to life.

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Scaloni backs Messi for 1,000 career goals and World Cup last dance

Lionel Scaloni has thrown his support behind Lionel Messi to potentially reach the historic 1,000 career goals milestone, while insisting the Argentina captain does have the "desire" to play at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking after a dominant friendly victory against Zambia, the Albiceleste boss emphasized that the Inter Miami star still possesses the hunger to compete at the very highest level despite already achieving his ultimate dream in Qatar.

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Will Messi play vs Zambia? Emotional Scaloni issues update

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will return to the starting line-up for Tuesday's friendly against Zambia at La Bombonera. The veteran forward’s inclusion comes as the coaching staff looks to finalise their 26-man roster for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Scaloni eventually left his press conference while holding back tears after addressing an injury blow for one of the nation's rising stars.

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World Cup decision? What Messi discussed in private meeting

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni admits to holding a private meeting with Lionel Messi, with the topics of discussion during that chat being revealed. The Albiceleste are busy piecing together plans for their World Cup title defence. Having captured a global crown at Qatar 2022, the intention is to go back-to-back in 2026. All-time great Messi is expected to form part of that trophy bid.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw

FIFA apologise for making Scaloni wear gloves to touch WC trophy

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has apologised to Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni after a bizarre mix-up at the 2026 World Cup draw forced the reigning world champion coach to wear gloves before touching the trophy. The incident caused confusion and frustration, prompting FIFA to stage a corrective ceremony the next day to make amends publicly.

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World Cup 2026 Golden Ball Odds: Best Player Predictions
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Frequently asked questions

Almost nearing the age of 40, Cristiano Ronaldo is not quite the same dribbler that he was during his 20s, but he continues to find the back of the net at a consistently alarming rate by playing as an out and out striker.

Cristiano Ronaldo was born in Funchal on the island of Madeira in Portugal.

When you mention the No. 7 in football, it's impossible not to think of Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Sporting CP boy wonder continues to sport the No. 7 jersey even after making the switch to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo stands at 1.87m (6ft 2in). During his prime, his height wouldn't prove to be a hindrance as he was easily among the fastest players in the world.

The all-time top scorer in football history currently weighs 83kg (183 lbs).

Between 1992 and 1995, Cristiano Ronaldo played for Andorinha, where his father was a kit man. Then, he switched to Nacional and continued his development for two more years, before finally being signed by Sporting CP.

Cristiano Ronaldo is a father to five children: Cristiano Jr, Mateo, Eva, Alana Martina, and Bella. The latter two were given by birth by his current partner Georgina Rodriguez.

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently in a relationship with Argentine-born Spanish model and influencer Georgina Rodriguez and they have been together since 2016. While they haven't publicly declared that they are married to each other, Ronaldo certainly sparked rumours regarding their status by referring to Georgina as "his wife" in an Instagram collaboration with sports brand Whoop in August 2024.

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