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.
Jude Bellingham has revealed what was said during his heated exchange with Lionel Messi in England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. The midfielder insisted there was no bad blood between the pair and explained the conversation was simply part of the intensity of a high-stakes contest.
Lionel Messi and his Argentina team-mates were seen inspecting Jordan Pickford's water bottle after their dramatic World Cup semi-final win over England. The bottle, covered in penalty shoot-out notes, was passed around the squad after Argentina completed a late comeback to book their place in the final.
It was all going so, so well for around 80 minutes. England went toe-to-toe with Argentina, and had a just-about-deserved 1-0 lead over the defending champions. A first World Cup final in 1966 was in sight for the Three Lions. And then, due in large part to the decisions of manager Thomas Tuchel, it was snatched away.
Lionel Messi admitted Argentina could not afford to lose to England in the World Cup semi-final, believing defeat would have sparked unfair criticism despite the team's recent success. The captain also hailed his side's resilience after they fought back to book a second consecutive place in the final.
MLS returns from its World Cup break with Lionel Messi facing an uncertain timeline, Robert Lewandowski and Antoine Griezmann arriving, and Nashville SC setting the pace.
Every time Lionel Messi got near the ball, the crowd in Atlanta held its breath. It wouldn't take much to feel the room shift during the first hour or so of Argentina's clash with England, just a brief moment where the Argentinian icon drifted into enough space to maybe, perhaps, do something. As the game wore on, those moments became more tense. Down a goal late, the moments where the air left the crowd were less about anticipating magic and more about a potential reality setting in.
Thomas Tuchel has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of Englandās monumental World Cup semi-final clash against Argentina, insisting the Three Lions have the blueprint to nullify Lionel Messi. The German tactician believes that while the Inter Miami superstar remains a unique threat, Englandās success in silencing Erling Haaland during the quarter-finals proves they can handle the world's most dangerous attackers.
It's testament to the progress that England have made over the last decade that, in the eyes of many, they will be favourites when they come up against World Cup holders Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2026 edition on Wednesday. Of course, a side containing the great Lionel Messi still poses an existential threat to the Three Lions' chances of ending six decades of hurt, but Thomas Tuchel's men have nothing to fear in Atalanta.
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has revealed his unique psychological approach to facing Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, admitting he intentionally avoided mentioning Lionel Messi by name. The Pharaohs boss was determined to prevent his squad from becoming overwhelmed by the aura of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
David Beckham is officially making his highly anticipated debut in the popular video game Fortnite. The former Manchester United midfielder will be available as a playable character, joining a star-studded lineup of global icons that already includes famous faces from the worlds of sport and music. Fans can expect to see his digital avatar in the game very soon.
England should have enough quality to overcome Argentina in their blockbuster World Cup semi-final, but only if they can successfully nullify the threat of Lionel Messi. Former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has warned Thomas Tuchel's side that the Inter Miami superstar is at his most dangerous when he appears to be doing the least, prowling the pitch in search of his next match-winning moment.
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