June 25, 1982 was, according to The Times, "the day that sportsmanship died". What was expected to be a fiercely competitive fixture between West Germany and Austria became a 'non-aggression pact' between two teams who effectively stopped playing during the second half of their World Cup group game in Gijon to ensure that both progressed to the second round.
Amine Gouiri struck late as Algeria came from behind to beat Jordan 2-1 in a crucial Group J clash in San Francisco. The Desert Warriors responded after a disappointing first half and turned the game around through set-piece goals. Jordan's defeat confirms their elimination from the tournament on their World Cup debut.
Alexis Mac Allister has opened up on the unique challenge of playing alongside Lionel Messi, admitting that the legendary forward’s talent is so natural it is almost impossible for others to replicate. Fresh from a dominant victory in Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria, which saw Messi bag a hat-trick, the Liverpool midfielder shed light on the standards set by his captain.
Former Barcelona manager Xavi has lavished praise on Lionel Messi, comparing the Argentine icon to basketball legend Michael Jordan. The tribute comes in the wake of Messi's stunning hat-trick against Algeria at the 2026 World Cup, which saw him equal the record for the most goals ever scored at the tournament.
The Algerian Football Federation has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA following refereeing decisions made during their 3-0 World Cup opening loss to Argentina. The African nation contends that Lionel Messi and Alexis Mac Allister were incredibly fortunate to escape red cards, casting a shadow over the reigning champions' victory.
The family of Lionel Messi have confirmed that the Argentina captain's father, Jorge Messi, is currently "dealing with a health issue" that has required medical supervision. In a strongly-worded statement, the family hit out at the "irresponsible" speculation that has emerged regarding Jorge's condition during the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Thousands of Argentina fans turned Kansas City into a Lionel Messi pilgrimage, with banderazos, late-night parties and unwavering support ahead of the World Cup opener.
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has expressed his immense pride after breaking Olivier Giroud's record to become the all-time leading goalscorer for the France national team. Following his crucial brace against Senegal in their opening 2026 World Cup match, the prolific forward is now setting his sights on breaking the all-time tournament record currently held by Lionel Messi.
Brazilian legend Ronaldo has declared that Lionel Messi is undisputedly the greatest player of all time following his spectacular hat-trick against Algeria. The historic display saw the Inter Miami superstar guide defending champions Argentina to a perfect 3-0 victory in their World Cup opener against Algeria, matching records and leaving former Real Madrid icon Ronaldo completely awestruck.
Rodrigo De Paul has praised the incredible team mentality of Argentina captain Lionel Messi after his record-equalling hat-trick at the World Cup. Despite tying Miroslav Klose’s all-time tournament goalscoring record, the veteran forward remains entirely focused on collective success rather than individual glory, proving his irreplaceable value to the South American champions.
Lionel Messi enjoyed a historic night as Argentina dispatched Algeria 3-0 in their World Cup opener, but the victory was marred by a controversial incident that left fans and pundits questioning the officiating. The Inter Miami star netted a sensational hat-trick to equal the all-time tournament goals record, yet many believe he should not have been on the pitch to complete the feat.
Lionel Messi has opened up on the motivation behind his continued dominance after inspiring Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their 2026 World Cup opener. The Inter Miami star netted a historic hat-trick to equal the all-time tournament goals record, later citing tennis legend Rafael Nadal as a key influence on his mindset.
Lionel Messi proved once again why he remains the undisputed king of world football after netting a historic hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 demolition of Algeria in their 2026 World Cup opener. The Inter Miami superstar dominated the headlines at Kansas City Stadium, not just for his record-equalling exploits on the pitch, but for an emotional celebration that left the veteran in tears.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Rodrigo De Paul stunned plenty of Argentina fans when he decided to leave Atletico Madrid for Inter Miami with the World Cup less than a year away, but national team manager Lionel Scaloni backed the midfielder’s move to Major League Soccer, stressing he is more concerned with performance than club address.
Lionel Messi possesses the magic to lead Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup title following their 2022 triumph in Qatar. Former team-mate Pablo Zabaleta believes the veteran forward is perfectly supported by his national and Inter Miami colleagues, allowing him to save his energy for crucial moments. Zabaleta says the current tactical setup is ideal for the GOAT.
Italy legend Dino Zoff has given his blessing to Juventus' pursuit of Emiliano Martinez, insisting the Argentine's eccentric personality is no barrier to success in Turin. The iconic former goalkeeper also weighed in on the futures of Dusan Vlahovic and long-term target Domenico Berardi as the Bianconeri look to rebuild.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez and Julian Alvarez have all successfully shaken off recent injury concerns to be available for the country's 2026 World Cup opener. Scaloni talked up the importance of "monumental" Inter Miami star Messi ahead of the Group J clash against Algeria.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be a historic tournament, unlike any that have come before it. Expanded to 48 teams for the first time and spread across three countries - the United States, Canada and Mexico - it promises to be the biggest spectacle in the competition’s near-100-year history.
There's just a few hours to go until the biggest show on earth gets underway, with the 2026 World Cup kicking off in Mexico City on Thursday. If you haven't already caught a serious case of World Cup fever, what better way to get in the mood than by checking out the very best kits that will be on show in North America this summer.
It's so close you can almost touch it. After years of build-up, the 2026 World Cup will kick-off on Thursday when co-hosts Mexico face off against South Africa in a repeat of the opening game from 2010. Over the next five-and-a-half weeks, records will be broken and legacies rewritten as a number of modern greats do battle to win the most recognisable trophy in all of sport.
Algeria
