Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed his immense admiration for Lionel Messiâs continued brilliance, describing the forward's 2026 World Cup campaign as "extraordinary". Speaking from Dallas ahead of the tournament's semi-finals, Laporta also took the opportunity to evaluate the performances of Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon.
From his early life and rise through the game to becoming Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper, representing England on the international stage, and lifting the FA Cup with Portsmouth, David James reflects on the highs, the challenges and everything he learned along the way in the latest episode of the Beast Mode On Podcast.
Cristo Fernandez, the actor who continues to bring the infectious joy of Dani Rojas to life in the hit series Ted Lasso, has officially fulfilled his dream of stepping onto the professional pitch. Two months after signing with El Paso Locomotive, the Mexican forward made his long-awaited debut in the USL Championship.
Watch the video again and you can almost see Jude Bellingham loading his answer as the interviewer navigates the question. The Real Madrid superstar had just been informed that his manager, Thomas Tuchel, was "disappointed" with England's performance following a gusty 2-1 win over Norway in Miami on Saturday night. Bellingham's remarkably clippable response? "Whatever."
Former England international Joe Cole has sensationally claimed that the Three Lions will "put Lionel Messi to bed" when they meet Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals. Despite the daunting task of facing the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, Cole is adamant that England's superior pace will prove too much for the Albiceleste.
Morgan Rogers has hit back at the "ridiculous" pre-World Cup narrative that suggested Jude Bellingham should be dropped from the England starting XI. The Real Madrid superstar has been the standout performer for the Three Lions in North America, silencing critics with a series of match-winning displays under Thomas Tuchel.
Erling Haalandâs uncharacteristically quiet performance in Norwayâs World Cup quarter-final exit to England has been attributed to a sickness bug that swept through the camp. The Manchester City superstar appeared a shadow of his usual self before being hauled off in extra time as the Three Lions secured a 2-1 victory.
Gary Lineker has made a bold claim regarding Jude Bellingham's legacy, suggesting the Real Madrid midfielder is on a path to becoming Englandâs greatest ever player. The 23-year-oldâs starring role for the Three Lions at the 2026 World Cup has seen him draw comparisons to legendary figures of the game.
Englandâs dramatic World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway has sparked a war of words off the pitch, with Alf-Inge Haaland left fuming at the officiating in Miami. The father of Manchester City superstar Erling took to social media to suggest the Three Lions were "saved" by the referee, prompting a blunt response from pundits Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Gary Neville.
Harry Kane has leaped to the defence of Thomas Tuchel after the England head coach delivered a scathing assessment of the Three Lions' quarter-final victory over Norway. Despite securing a place in the World Cup semi-finals, the German tactician was far from satisfied with the laboured performance in Miami.
Alexander Sorloth has opened up on his failure to deliver a pass to a wide-open Erling Haaland during Norway's heartbreaking World Cup quarter-final defeat to England. Haaland was clearly in a good position to double his team's lead before half-time, but Sorloth opted to go for goal himself, a moment that proved to be a major turning point in the match.
Erling Haaland confessed to feeling "bitter" and "empty" after Norway were dumped out of the World Cup by England in a dramatic quarter-final encounter. Haaland was left fuming with the match officials after a contentious VAR intervention in an incident involving his new Manchester City team-mate Elliot Anderson, which denied his side a crucial goal in the second half.
Jordan Henderson has light-heartedly described the freak accident that left him with a broken arm as "not my finest hour" after re-joining the England camp at the 2026 World Cup. The veteran midfielder suffered the injury in bizarre circumstances during the celebrations following the Three Lions' dramatic last-16 victory over Mexico.
Lionel Messi has described Argentinaâs upcoming World Cup semi-final tie against England as "special", as the legendary playmaker prepares for a rare career first in Atlanta. Following hard-fought quarter-final victories for both heavyweights, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is relishing the chance to finally face the Three Lions on the international stage.
Jude Bellingham has invoked the spirit of Ted Lasso after carrying England into the final four of the 2026 World Cup. The Real Madrid superstar was once again the hero, netting a brace to secure a gritty 2-1 quarter-final victory over Norway and set up a mouth-watering clash against Argentina.
David Beckham proved he is still Englandâs biggest supporter as he was spotted belting out a classic song following the Three Lions' dramatic World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway. The former captain was in high spirits at the Hard Rock Stadium, leading a family singalong as Thomas Tuchelâs side secured their place in the final four.
England fans have been left sweating over the fitness of Jude Bellingham after the Real Madrid midfielder was seen clutching his shoulder during the World Cup quarter-final against Norway. Despite undergoing corrective surgery in the past, the 23-year-old appeared to be in significant discomfort during and after an outing in Miami.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has launched a scathing attack on Noni Madueke following Englandâs dramatic World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway, brutally joking that a spidercam cable put in a better performance. The Swedish icon claimed the Three Lions were essentially playing with ten men before the Arsenal winger was hauled off at the interval by Thomas Tuchel.
Jude Bellingham has revealed the vital role his mother, Denise, played in ensuring he remains available for Englandâs blockbuster World Cup semi-final against Argentina. The Real Madrid superstar was the hero in the quarter-finals, netting a crucial brace to sink Norway, but his biggest achievement might have been keeping his cool under immense pressure.
Thomas Tuchel has opened up on his decision to substitute Declan Rice at half-time during England's dramatic 2-1 World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway. Despite battling a pre-match sickness bug to start the high-stakes clash in Miami, the Arsenal midfielder was a surprise withdrawal at the interval as the Three Lions chased a comeback.
Erling Haaland has warned England that they are fortunate to possess a talent like Jude Bellingham after the midfielder's heroics propelled the Three Lions into the World Cup semi-finals. The Manchester City striker was on the receiving end of a Bellingham masterclass as Norway were eliminated from the competition in a tense quarter-final clash.
Englandâs dramatic World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway has been overshadowed by a bizarre officiating controversy involving a spidercam wire. While the Three Lions secured their spot in the final four with a 2-1 win, the Scandinavian side were left feeling robbed after Jude Bellinghamâs crucial equaliser was allowed to stand.
Lionel Messi has hailed the resilience of his Argentina side after they survived a major scare against 10-man Switzerland to book their place in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals. The legendary No.10 is now preparing for a historic showdown against England in Atlanta, marking the first time he will face the Three Lions in his career.
The loudest cheer of the night came when Jude Bellingham took his swansong. He didn't need long. Even the way he ran off the pitch was purposeful - a direct scamper, a couple of kisses and a wave to the crowd. It was much like the rest of his performance. Bellingham had grabbed this game and molded it in his will. He scored two talismanic goals, and did plenty of other important stuff, too - tackle, pass, dribble, shout.
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