Argentina news

There really is nothing like the World Cup. Even just qualifying generates a level of nationwide excitement that the club game simply cannot match, which is why we witnessed truly joyous scenes all across the globe during the March international break, as the final six qualifiers were confirmed for this summer's festival of football in North America.

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. Messi could reportedly be among them this campaign as the competition ticks away.

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 admitted to holding a private meeting with Lionel Messi, where the duo reportedly discussed World Cup plans. The Albiceleste are busy piecing together plans for their World Cup title defence. All-time great Messi is expected to form part of that trophy bid amid talk that he might retire from international duty before the tournament.

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.

Here is the official group-stage draw for the 2026 World Cup and the full match schedule.

Discover the 2026 World Cup dates, match schedule, group standings, results and every channel broadcasting the tournament.

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.