Former Brazil manager Emerson Leao has launched a fierce attack on Neymar, calling him “not an example to anyone” and claiming the forward is “past his prime”. Leao criticised the 33-year-old's lifestyle, fitness and declining form, reigniting debate over the Santos star’s place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup plans.
Neymar has suffered another setback in his battle for fitness, with Santos president Marcelo Teixeira confirming the Brazil icon will be sidelined until November. The 33-year-old’s recurring injury problems continue to cast doubt over his club’s survival fight and his hopes of leading the Selecao at the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino met with CONMEBOL leaders in New York on Tuesday as the South American confederation pushed a proposal to expand the already sprawling 2030 World Cup - set to feature six host nations across three continents - from 48 to a proposed 64 teams, a move that would guarantee all 10 CONMEBOL members a spot.
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.
Barcelona star Raphinha is reportedly "furious" at Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti for playing him against Bolivia, with World Cup qualification already assured.
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.
The Italian manager made numerous changes, and saw his disjointed team deservedly fall to a side that needed to win to keep their dream of playing at 2026 alive
Chelsea teenager Estevao Willian scored his first senior goal for Brazil in spectacular fashion, netting a bicycle kick during a 3-0 win over Chile in the World Cup qualifier. The 18-year-old, already making waves in the Premier League, earned the loudest cheer inside the Maracana and capped his standout display with an acrobatic opener that lit up the night.
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni expressed his views on the eternal rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of their potential last dance at the World Cup. The two icons have defined modern football for nearly two decades, and even now, as they edge towards the twilight of their glittering careers, their rivalry remains compelling as ever.
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