Kylian Mbappe is considered to be out of the running for Ballon d’Or recognition in 2026, with Jeremie Aliadiere conceding to GOAL that World Cup heartache with France is likely to have dashed those dreams. Les Bleus’ all-time leading goalscorer has never got his hands on the Golden Ball, and will need to wait another 12 months before staking another claim to the most prestigious of individual honours.
Argentina’s comeback against England demonstrated the belief surrounding Lionel Messi. Now Spain stand between the holders and a historic second straight World Cup title.
Spain’s World Cup final clash with Argentina will see Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi go head-to-head for a global title and Ballon d’Or honours. Gaizka Mendieta has told GOAL why Barcelona’s teenage wonderkid can get the better of an all-time great. An epic battle is about to play out in New Jersey, with eyes from every corner of the planet descending on MetLife Stadium.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will showcase the strength of La Masia, with club legends and rising stars on opposite sides. He hailed Lionel Messi's legacy while backing Lamine Yamal as the future, insisting Barcelona's identity will be at the heart of the showpiece.
England “can’t complain” about being on the receiving end of another masterclass from Lionel Messi as “no-one’s ever been able to stop” the Argentina GOAT, ex-Three Lions international Joleon Lescott has told GOAL. Another bid for international trophy glory has come to a close, in agonising fashion, with semi-final heartache being endured at the 2026 World Cup.
Global music icon Shakira has praised Lionel Messi following his inspirational performance in Argentina's World Cup semi-final victory. The Colombian singer took to social media to hail the 39-year-old forward's extraordinary longevity on the pitch, while also reserving a special mention for his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo.
When Lionel Messi was pushed onto his weaker foot by Nico O'Reilly and Djed Spence on the right side of the box in the 92nd minute of stoppage time, England fans held their breath in unison. The Three Lions had four of their tallest players hovering around the six-yard area, and the Argentina captain needed a perfect delivery to reach Lautaro Martinez at the back post (his only realistic target) - but as we all know, Messi can conjure up perfection at any moment.
Social media sensation IShowSpeed has issued a desperate plea to Spain starlet Lamine Yamal ahead of the 2026 World Cup final. The viral streamer is begging the Barcelona starlet to prevent Lionel Messi from lifting back-to-back world titles and further pulling away from his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. With Argentina set to face Spain at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, the stakes for the "GOAT" debate have never been higher.
Spain have begun their preparations for the 2026 World Cup final, but concerns are mounting over the fitness of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona winger was seen with heavy strapping on his left thigh while sitting out La Roja’s latest training session ahead of Sunday's showdown with Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
Awarded to the tournament's best player, the Golden Ball is decided by media representatives from a shortlist selected by the Technical Study Group (TSG).
Lionel Messi paid an emotional tribute to Diego Maradona after Argentina came from behind to beat England and reach the 2026 World Cup final. The captain said the victory was "a gift" for the late icon before turning his focus towards one more chance at football history.
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