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Lionel Messi Argentina GFX

Messi & Argentina: How he built a belated, beautiful bond

There is a sense that we are awaiting the inevitable after Argentina were downed by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The tears rolling down Lionel Messi's face after the full-time whistle in New Jersey suggested he may well be about to call time on his glittering international career, having powered his country through the tournament in North America at the age of 39.

Ballon d'Or Power Rankings GFX

BDO Power Rankings: Has Yamal done enough to usurp Kane?

With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he was among a crowded field of contenders again in 2026.

World Cup GOAT GFX

RANKED: Messi, Pele & the top 10 World Cup players ever

There's no sporting event bigger than the World Cup. It's the pinnacle of professional football, where global superstars are born, dreams die and legends live forever. Sometimes, with just one goal, one pass, one tackle, one block or one save, a previously little-known player can become a national hero, a name eternally etched in the memory of a country's collective consciousness.

2026 World Cup TOTT GFX

Mbappe, Rodri & GOAL's Team of the 2026 World Cup

After five weeks, a record 104 matches played and 308 goals scored, the 2026 World Cup is officially over. From a purely footballing perspective, FIFA's biggest tournament of all time did not disappoint, with 48 teams doing battle across three host countries and the vast expanse of North America. And when 46 of those nations had been whittled away, only the top two ranked teams on the planet remained: Spain and Argentina.

Messi

Messi breaks down in tears after World Cup final defeat to Spain

Lionel Messi was left inconsolable at MetLife Stadium as Argentina's quest for back-to-back world titles ended in a shattering extra-time defeat to Spain. The 39-year-old legend, appearing in his sixth World Cup, could not find the inspiration needed to overcome a dominant Spain side, and broke down in tears as the result sank in.

World Cup winners + losers GFX

Biggest winners and losers of the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup came to a close in New Jersey on Sunday as Spain were deservedly crowned champions after a dour 1-0 win over 10-man Argentina in one of the worst finals in the tournament history. La Roja substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of a game that was essentially attack versus defence even before Enzo Fernandez got himself stupidly sent off for a second yellow card in the final minute of normal time.

WL GFX

Sorry Leo - Argentina's anti-football didn't deserve any glory

At the end of a gruelling battle of footballing philosophies, Spain are world champions once again. It was control vs chaos in the 2026 World Cup final as Luis de la Fuente's pass masters came up against the holders and experts in the dark arts, Argentina. Ultimately, after 120 minutes of bruising action, La Roja (and football) would prevail 1-0, leaving Lionel Messi disconsolate.

GFX Golden Ball

World Cup Golden Ball Power Rankings: Rodri pips Messi & Mbappe

The 2026 World Cup has reached its conclusion, with Spain emerging triumphant as they captured another global title. A memorable tournament in North America saw superstar performers from every corner of the planet take centre stage. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham all illuminated proceedings, but Rodri signed off with the best player prize.