Lionel Scaloni has officially unveiled Argentina's massive 55-man provisional squad for the 2026 World Cup, headlined by legendary captain Lionel Messi. As the Albiceleste prepare to defend their global crown in North America, the manager has mixed established icons with rising stars from the Premier League and beyond. However, the announcement has caused a stir across the footballing world as several high-profile names, including a 40-cap Serie A veteran, found themselves entirely omitted from the longlist.
Lionel Messi has thrown his weight behind former team-mate Neymar, insisting the Santos superstar "deserves" to be part of Brazil's World Cup squad despite his recent struggles with injury. The Inter Miami captain described his close friend as a "very special" talent who remains one of the finest players on the planet.
Lionel Messi has shared an emotional message of congratulations after watching his former club Barcelona secure back-to-back La Liga titles in historic fashion. The Argentine legend was among the first to react as the Blaugrana dismantled Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou to move into an unassailable lead at the top of the table.
Marcus Rashford emulated Lionel Messi during Sunday's Clasico, scoring a magnificent direct free-kick to help Barcelona establish a 2-0 half-time lead against Real Madrid. The Manchester United loanee found the top corner from range in the ninth minute, becoming the first Blaugrana player to score a free-kick in the fixture since Messi in 2012.
Nicolas Tagliafico has revealed that Argentina are determined to provide Lionel Messi with the ultimate farewell by defending their crown at the 2026 World Cup. The defender insists that while "nobody will be ready" for the day the captain eventually retires, the squad is fully committed to supporting their leader until the very end.
Lionel Messi continues to rewrite the record books in North America, producing a masterclass to lead Inter Miami to a 4-2 victory over Toronto FC. The Argentine icon was at the heart of everything once again, ensuring the capacity crowd at BMO Field witnessed a historic piece of individual brilliance.
Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul put on a clinic as Inter Miami brushed aside Toronto FC in a 4-2 victory on Saturday. The Argentine icon used the trip to Canada to rewrite the record books yet again, prompting his manager to demand more respect for a player who remains in a league of his own.
Lionel Messi has officially weighed in on the meteoric rise of Lamine Yamal, naming the Barcelona teenager as his natural successor. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner believes the La Masia graduate is already operating at a level that puts him above the rest of the pack in world football.
Lionel Messi has provided a surprising assessment of the international landscape ahead of the 2026 World Cup, suggesting that several nations are currently better equipped than Argentina to lift the trophy. The Inter Miami superstar identified four specific rivals he believes are entering the tournament in superior form compared to the defending champions, including Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Antonio Cassano has revealed Lionel Messi's retirement timeline after meeting the Argentina icon in Florida. Despite approaching his 39th birthday, the Inter Miami superstar appears to have no immediate intention of hanging up his boots as he eyes further success in MLS and potentially on the international stage.
Luis Suarez has opened up on his decision to sign a contract extension with Inter Miami, revealing that his "burning desire" to compete remains as strong as ever despite being 39 years old. The Uruguayan legend, who remains a focal point of the Herons' attack alongside Lionel Messi, also addressed the tactical shifts that saw him briefly lose his starting spot under former coach Javier Mascherano.
The spectacular rise of Lamine Yamal at Barcelona has amazed the footballing world, but his success is no surprise to those who nurtured his talent at La Masia. Former Blaugrana striker Javier Saviola reveals the exact moment youth coaches realised they had a generational talent, comparing the 2024 Golden Boy winner's unique abilities to those of a young Lionel Messi.
The prospect of Neymar joining his former Barcelona team-mates in Major League Soccer is heating up as the Brazilian superstar considers his next move away from Santos. While a reunion with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami remains a romantic possibility, the playmaker is also being linked with a surprise switch to Ohio.