FIFA has released its final rankings of 2025, with the U.S. Men’s National Team rising to No. 14 after wins over Paraguay and Uruguay. Mexico dropped to No. 15 following a draw and a defeat, leaving the U.S. as CONCACAF’s highest-ranked side to close the year. Spain remain No. 1, while Brazil returned to the top five.
Lionel Messi was asked for a selfie by his own team-mate during Argentina's latest camp, while he swapped shirts with a rival that he nutmegged on two occasions while helping to deliver a 2-0 victory over Angola. The eight-time Ballon d’Or showed once again before and after that contest why he remains a star attraction, with everybody wanting a piece of him.
The Inter Miami star provided the assist for the opening goal before scoring the second one late in the second half. This was Messi's first return to Africa in national colours since his appearance at the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. He was on the continent in 2018 with Barcelona when they came to play Mamelodi Sundowns in a friendly match.