Argentina news

Lionel Scaloni admitted it would have been "crazy" for Argentina to lose his 100th match in charge after the Albiceleste survived a huge scare against Cape Verde. Lionel Messi and his teammates needed extra time to progress, with their manager praising his players' resilience after a gruelling clash.

Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.

Lionel Messi laughed off the physical treatment he received from Cape Verde after Argentina edged into the World Cup last 16. The Albiceleste captain joked that his opponents "kick the crap" out of him before asking for shirts and selfies, while also admitting his side fell below their usual standards.

Cristian Romero scored an extra-time winner, Lionel Messi grabbed a goal, but Argentina were given a real scare by Cape Verde in an uncomfortable 3-2 win to advance to the World Cup Round of 16. Argentina surrendered the lead twice, and needed extra time to finally gain daylight from a Cape Verde side that, in truth, deserved so much more.

Cristiano Ronaldo retains the ability to make “people shut their mouth”, Louis Saha has told GOAL, with a former Manchester United team-mate of CR7 explaining why the Portuguese superstar attracts more criticism than fellow GOAT Lionel Messi. Both men are currently on 2026 World Cup duty, with more questions being put to an evergreen European frontman than his eternal South American rival is facing.

Lionel Scaloni has defended Argentina's attacking variety ahead of their World Cup knockout opener against tournament surprise package Cape Verde in Miami. The manager insists he remains completely unconcerned by his talismanic captain's heavy goalscoring burden, despite the veteran forward netting six goals during the group stage.

Enzo Fernandez's representative, Javier Pastore, has admitted the Chelsea midfielder's camp is exploring a move away from Stamford Bridge. While no deal is in place, the Argentine also addressed the player's links with Real Madrid and insisted the player remains fully focused on the 2026 World Cup.

Comprehensive match preview of Argentina vs Cabo Verde at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this round of 32 clash in Miami.

The USMNT's victory over Bosnia was overshadowed by Folarin Balogun's controversial red card, with Mauricio Pochettino insisting the striker's challenge was accidental. Alexi Lalas also questioned why a similar incident involving Lionel Messi earlier in the tournament went unpunished, sparking accusations of inconsistent officiating.

Discover the leading goal scorers in men's World Cup history and how they made their mark.

Andres Iniesta has backed Lamine Yamal to guide Spain to a second World Cup star, despite the teenager battling injury issues. Iniesta also highlighted the brilliance of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who lead the scoring charts. Spain have progressed to face Austria, while France have already reached the last 16 in a highly unpredictable tournament.

Former Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has paid a glowing tribute to the historic rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Bayern Munich icon believes the two superstars created a unique standard of consistency that world football will never witness again, as both legends continue their historic battle at the World Cup.

Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal has publicly encouraged Julian Alvarez to swap Atletico Madrid for the Camp Nou, insisting the Argentine would be joining the "best club in the world." The teenage sensation spoke out as speculation intensifies regarding the striker's future following a reported breakdown in his relationship with Diego Simeone.