Gary Neville has delivered a scathing assessment of Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain, insisting Lionel Scaloni's side were fortunate to stay in the contest. The former Manchester United defender also questioned how heavily the reigning champions rely on Lionel Messi.
Thousands of passionate supporters gathered in Buenos Aires to welcome the Argentina squad home following their World Cup final defeat to Spain. Captain Lionel Messi was notably absent from the delegation after electing to fly directly to Miami before taking a short break in Rosario, leaving head coach Lionel Scaloni and 16 players to lead the parade.
Lionel Messi and Argentina were left heartbroken after losing the World Cup final to Spain, but the Argentine captain quickly received an emotional show of support from his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. Her heartfelt tribute praised his resilience, character and enduring legacy despite the painful defeat.
Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul have been granted a mandatory recovery hiatus following their intense World Cup run with Argentina. Inter Miami's star duo will reportedly sit out upcoming league encounters and the MLS All-Star Game, ensuring they receive crucial rest after starring on the global stage.
Topps is celebrating one of football's most memorable images by turning Lionel Messi's famous photo with baby Lamine Yamal into a unique trading card. The announcement comes just a day after the pair faced each other in the World Cup final.
Footage from the New Jersey New York Stadium has exposed intense dressing room tunnel speeches delivered by Lionel Messi and Emiliano Martinez during Argentina's World Cup final defeat. The reigning champions were outplayed by Spain as they suffered a 1-0 loss after extra time, with a red card for Enzo Fernandez compounding their misery.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Instagram account appeared to like an explosive social media post alleging FIFA corruption and claiming officials attempted to hand the 2026 World Cup to Lionel Messi. The viral interaction surfaced before Argentina's final loss to Spain, after a tournament filled with fierce officiating disputes.
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.