Enigmatic Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has seen his behaviour criticised again, with supposed “arrogance” on the Argentine’s part being called out by an international goalkeeping rival. Uruguayan shot-stopper Sergio Rochet does not “like the way” a fellow South American is - despite the World Cup winner being considered “phenomenal” at his job.
Angel Di Maria admits that Cristiano Ronaldo’s professionalism is “by far” greater than that of Lionel Messi, but the former Real Madrid star still considers his fellow Argentine to be the GOAT having been given “a gift from God to be the best”. World Cup winner Di Maria has also been discussing who he considers to be the finest player on the planet in 2026.
Former Argentina international Javier Zanetti considers fellow countryman Lionel Messi to be “the essence of football” as he is capable of doing “crazy things”. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has proved as much over the course of his career, with the South American GOAT still going strong at the age of 38 with MLS Cup winners Inter Miami.
The 2026 World Cup will be unlike any before it - bigger in size and scope, without a clear favorite, and staged in some of the most iconic venues in world sport. Here’s everything worth knowing.
World Cup winner Kleberson, who once played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United and in MLS, has explained to GOAL how Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi can land himself a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Argentine superstar is readying himself for another shot at global glory, which could put him in contention for Golden Ball recognition.
Enzo Fernandez has explained how Lionel Messi is allowing him to live out a “PlayStation” dream. The Argentine midfielder looked up to an iconic countryman when seeking to forge his own professional career. Fernandez could never have imagined at that point what the future would have in store - with World Cup glory being savoured alongside Messi at Qatar 2022.
Neymar has revealed that Lionel Messi has expressed an interest in playing in the latter stages of the 2026 Kings League World Cup Nations tournament. The Kings League was set up by Messi and Neymar's former Barcelona team-mate Gerard Pique, and has regularly featured some huge stars.
Mohamed Salah has reached an international goal milestone quicker than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Liverpool superstar is currently on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Egypt. He has helped to fire them into the semi-finals of that competition. During a last-eight showdown with the Ivory Coast, Salah found the target and reached 100 goal contributions for his country.
Lionel Messi remains “the best in the world” and will hold that title “until he retires”, claims the Argentine’s former Barcelona team-mate David Villa. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is now 38 years of age, but he is showing no sign of slowing down and continues to enhance his standing as the most decorated player of all-time while turning out in the United States for Inter Miami.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni admits to holding a private meeting with Lionel Messi, with the topics of discussion during that chat being revealed. The Albiceleste are busy piecing together plans for their World Cup title defence. Having captured a global crown at Qatar 2022, the intention is to go back-to-back in 2026. All-time great Messi is expected to form part of that trophy bid.
Lionel Messi has “made MLS his playground”, according to Dwight Yorke, with the Argentine superstar proving that he still boasts “special X-factor”. The South American icon helped to deliver a historic MLS Cup triumph for Inter Miami in 2025, while helping himself to Golden Boot and MVP awards, and the expectation is that he will illuminate the 2026 World Cup.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has told Lionel Messi he should “never retire” as the Argentina star continues to weigh up whether to compete at the 2026 World Cup. The Inter Miami forward remains undecided over whether he will turn up in North America next summer, but he has now been told he can be the difference maker for the defending champions.
Argentina forward Lucas Ocampos has been left paralysed in the face after suffering from a virus. Before the illness, the ex-Sevilla star had suffered a freak skateboarding injury. The 31-year-old attacker left Sevilla after five years in 2024 to head to Mexico and join Liga MX giants Monterrey. Ocampos has dealt with multiple injuries throughout his 14-year-long professional career.
Javier Zanetti insists that Lionel Messi is still capable of leading Argentina into the 2026 World Cup and says he has "no doubt" that the Inter Miami star will shine at the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Messi is now 38 but appears poised to have one last crack at international glory, as Argentina aim to defend their crown.
A generational showdown is officially on the calendar as Spain and Argentina prepare to contest the Finalissima in Qatar, setting up a first-ever senior meeting between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi. With the European and South American champions colliding at Lusail Stadium, the one-off clash promises symbolism, history and World Cup-level intensity just months before the 2026 tournament.
Emi Martinez is “destined for more big things”, ex-Aston Villa forward Marlon Harewood has told GOAL, with the World Cup-winning goalkeeper missing out on a transfer to Manchester United in the summer of 2025. He has not let that get to him, with a mercurial talent continuing to star for the Villans as they have made positive progress at home and abroad.
Lionel Messi received an incredibly rare $1.1 million gift from an Indian billionaire during his 'GOAT Tour' of India. The Argentina and Inter Miami star, who recently won his maiden MLS Cup in the U.S., was in the country on a four-day visit which kicked off chaotically in Kolkata last Saturday. The 38-year-old travelled across four cities in India during his stay.
Erling Haaland has been put in an exclusive club, with the Manchester City striker considered to be one of few players that are capable of chasing down Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo when it comes to goal output. Messi and Ronaldo, who continue to dominate GOAT debates, are considered to have "changed the game" and put down serious markers for the next generation.
Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour stop in Kolkata descended into chaos as overcrowding, security breaches, and pitch invasions left the Argentina icon "visibly uncomfortable" before he exited the Salt Lake Stadium after barely 20 minutes. Fans who had paid hefty prices were left furious as mismanagement plunged the event into disorder and forced authorities to launch an urgent inquiry.
Lionel Messi finally got to play in front of Indian fans after his India tour took a chaotic turn in Kolkata. The fans at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium were left fuming with the Argentina legend's brief 20-minute appearance as they ripped up seats and hurled objects onto the pitch. Messi, however, finally got to play in front of his fans in India during his second stop in Hyderabad.
The first stop of Lionel Messi's India tour took an unexpected turn as angry fans ripped up seats and hurled objects onto the pitch as chaos descended at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. The unsavoury scenes came due to fan disgruntlement at Messi's brief 20-minute appearance, where they 'could not see his face'. The event organiser has been detained as a result of the incident and an enquiry is ongoing.
Lionel Messi is considered to be “better than ever” as questions continue to be asked of his participation at the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine superstar is yet to confirm his involvement, but the door will always be left open for him. Ariel Ortega sees no reason why the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner cannot form part of a global title defence, with any fears regarding his presence in MLS being calmed.
Former Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe has used a Dragon Ball Z analogy to explain the GOAT battle that continues to rage between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The Portuguese superstar is considered to be Vegeta to Messi’s Goku, with Pepe claiming that the eight-time Ballon d’Or-winning Argentine “slaps everyone” when it comes to the greatest of all-time debate.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has apologised to Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni after a bizarre mix-up at the 2026 World Cup draw forced the reigning world champion coach to wear gloves before touching the trophy. The incident caused confusion and frustration, prompting FIFA to stage a corrective ceremony the next day to make amends publicly.
Argentina
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
