Lionel Messi is “nearing the end of a wonderful story”, admits Javier Saviola, but the Argentine GOAT is considered to have one more World Cup left in him. Messi has played cards close to his chest regarding possible involvement at the 2026 finals, but the expectation is that he will form part of the Albiceleste squad when they stage a defence of their global crown next summer.
Lionel Messi proved his class once again when sending a heartfelt message to Argentina’s promising youngsters after seeing them suffer an agonising defeat to Morocco in the FIFA U20 World Cup final. The Albiceleste are the current holders of the global crown at senior level and had been hoping to capture another in the youth ranks. Messi has offered his support after seeing that dream crushed in dramatic fashion.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi provided two assists in the 6-0 win over Puerto Rico, reaching 60 total to surpass Neymar (58) and Landon Donovan (58) as the top assist-maker in men’s international football history. Messi is also just two assists away from 400 in his professional career. Argentina wrapped up their U.S. tour with another dominant performance in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Lionel Messi could be faced with the prospect of demolishing his €11 million (£9.5m/$12m) mansion in Ibiza as controversy continues surrounding the 16,000 square metre property, which was built on protected land without the necessary permits. Messi bought the mansion in 2022 but has faced a series of recent issues, such as when climate activist group Futuro Vegetal vandalised the property last year.
After missing Argentina’s first friendly of the October window, Lionel Messi has rejoined the national team and could feature against Puerto Rico on Tuesday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The captain skipped the Venezuela match to play for Inter Miami but is now back in full training with Lionel Scaloni’s squad.
Gio Lo Celso grabbed the only goal as Argentina eased to a 1-0 win over Venezuela in a rather drab international friendly held at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. The reigning World Cup champions were a little languid as the game wore on in the absence of Lionel Messi, who was rested, but did enough in the first half to secure a narrow win.
Lionel Messi was rested for Argentina’s friendly against Venezuela, a 1-0 win, at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday, keeping alive the possibility he could feature for Inter Miami against Atlanta United on Saturday. Earlier in the day, head coach Javier Mascherano said Messi’s availability would depend on whether he played against Venezuela, noting that Argentina would make the final decision.
Will he or won't he? Lionel Messi has a massive decision to make and, just eight months before the start of the 2026 World Cup, we still don't know whether he'll lead Argentina's title defence. "At my age, it's only logical to think I might not," the 38-year-old told TyC Sports just last month. But, let's face it, there's never really anything logical about Messi's career.
William Saliba revealed how he's already "taken revenge" against Enzo Fernandez for the World Cup defeat with Arsenal. The French defender, now a pillar at both Arsenal and for Didier Deschamps’ national side, says France aren’t intimidated by anyone, not even Lionel Messi’s world champions.
A match between Argentina and Puerto Rico, originally scheduled for next week in Chicago, has been relocated to Florida amid the immigration crackdown in the city, according to the Associated Press. The friendly was set to be played on Oct. 13 at Soldier Field but will be moved to Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
The long-rumored clash between World Cup champions Argentina and Mexico is now set, according to AFA president Claudio Tapia. Tapia said in an interview that the teams will meet in early June, just days before the 2026 World Cup kicks off with Javier Aguirre’s El Tri playing their first match of the tournament at Estadio Azteca.
Cesc Fabregas claims that Como sensation Nico Paz is getting Lionel Messi-esque treatment from Serie A rivals. World Cup winner Fabregas once played alongside Messi at Barcelona, with opponents eager to keep the ball away from him as much as possible. Paz is, much like his Argentina international team-mate, considered to be another match-altering talent.
Lamine Yamal's Spain have stormed back to the summit of international football, claiming top spot from Lionel Messi's Argentina in the latest FIFA men's world rankings for the first time since 2014. Their rise comes after victories over Turkey and Bulgaria in World Cup qualifying, ending the world champions' two-year reign at the top, as they slip to third following a costly defeat to Ecuador, with France moving up to second.
Como sensation Nico Paz admits to watching Lionel Messi videos on YouTube as he attempts to “replicate” what the Inter Miami superstar is capable of. Paz is now an Argentina international team-mate of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, but continues to use his illustrious fellow countryman as a source of inspiration when it comes to enhancing his own game.
Lionel Messi’s presence at the 2026 World Cup has been called into question, but Argentina team-mate Cristian Romero claims the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will “easily” make it to that event. The all-time great has, at 38 years of age, conceded that fitness concerns could lead to him missing out on the defence of a global title in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Tensions boiled over during Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Ecuador as Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister clashed with new Arsenal signing Piero Hincapie. The pair exchanged heated words after a late incident in stoppage time, sparking headlines both in South America and the Premier League. After the fiery exchange, Mac Allister later sent a message to his rival.
Lionel Messi bagged a career first achievement despite missing Argentina's final World Cup qualifying game against Ecuador. After an emotional outing on home soil against Venezuela last week, Messi travelled for the Ecuador clash but was granted a rest by Lionel Scaloni. Argentina lost 1-0, but Messi still finished as the overall top scorer in the CONMEBOL qualifying campaign.
Lionel Messi and Argentina have been dealt a major blow with Nicolas Otamendi now suspended for their 2026 World Cup opener after picking up a red card in their final qualifying match against Ecuador. The experienced defender was sent off for a reckless tackle in the 1-0 defeat, but Argentina still finished at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table.
Argentina
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