Lionel Messi possesses the magic to lead Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup title following their 2022 triumph in Qatar. Former team-mate Pablo Zabaleta believes the veteran forward is perfectly supported by his national and Inter Miami colleagues, allowing him to save his energy for crucial moments. Zabaleta says the current tactical setup is ideal for the GOAT.
Italy legend Dino Zoff has given his blessing to Juventus' pursuit of Emiliano Martinez, insisting the Argentine's eccentric personality is no barrier to success in Turin. The iconic former goalkeeper also weighed in on the futures of Dusan Vlahovic and long-term target Domenico Berardi as the Bianconeri look to rebuild.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez and Julian Alvarez have all successfully shaken off recent injury concerns to be available for the country's 2026 World Cup opener. Scaloni talked up the importance of "monumental" Inter Miami star Messi ahead of the Group J clash against Algeria.
Lionel Scaloni’s record as Argentina manager is flawless. Three tournaments, three trophies won, with La Albiceleste’s 2022 World Cup triumph sandwiched between successive Copa America wins in 2021 and 2024. For a coach in his first managerial role, that is unprecedented.
The 2026 World Cup is underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long road ahead as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here are GOAL's predicted candidates for the prize as we keep track of the tournament's most prolific stars
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