Argentina news

Messi's Argentina knocked off top of FIFA rankings

Lamine Yamal's Spain have stormed back to the summit of international football, claiming top spot from Lionel Messi's Argentina in the latest FIFA men's world rankings for the first time since 2014. Their rise comes after victories over Turkey and Bulgaria in World Cup qualifying, ending the world champions' two-year reign at the top, as they slip to third following a costly defeat to Ecuador, with France moving up to second.

Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup European Championship

Messi sent 'it's done' advice after emulating Ronaldo

Lionel Messi has been sent "it's done" advice after choosing to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo and extend his remarkable playing career. With CR7 extending his Al-Nassr contract at 40 years of age, Argentine icon Messi is expected to tread a similar path by agreeing fresh terms with Inter Miami in MLS. Neither of the all-time greats are ready to consider retirement any time soon.

Como sensation Paz trying to 'replicate' Messi YouTube videos

Como sensation Nico Paz admits to watching Lionel Messi videos on YouTube as he attempts to “replicate” what the Inter Miami superstar is capable of. Paz is now an Argentina international team-mate of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, but continues to use his illustrious fellow countryman as a source of inspiration when it comes to enhancing his own game.

Messi will 'easily' make 2026 World Cup with Argentina

Lionel Messi’s presence at the 2026 World Cup has been called into question, but Argentina team-mate Cristian Romero claims the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will “easily” make it to that event. The all-time great has, at 38 years of age, conceded that fitness concerns could lead to him missing out on the defence of a global title in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

'Smoke a joint, you get six months' - Ex-Argentina star rages at long ban

Papu Gomez opened up on his two-year doping ban, blasting the punishment as unfair and revealing how the absence nearly killed his love for football.

Ex-Spurs star opens up on 11-year struggle that forced him to retire

Ex-Tottenham and Argentina star Erik Lamela has retired from professional football after a long battle with hip injury that began when he just 22.

Ecuador v Argentina - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Mac Allister sends message to new Arsenal star after pair clash

Tensions boiled over during Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Ecuador as Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister clashed with new Arsenal signing Piero Hincapie. The pair exchanged heated words after a late incident in stoppage time, sparking headlines both in South America and the Premier League. After the fiery exchange, Mac Allister later sent a message to his rival.

Otamendi reveals when he'll make retirement decision

Nicolas Otamendi has confirmed his retirement from international football and says a decision on his club career will be made soon.

GFX Franco Mastantuono Diego Maradona Lionel Messi

Mastantuono breaks Maradona record after stepping into Messi's No.10

Franco Mastantuono is on a record-breaking spree with the Argentine national team after he became the youngest player ever to don the iconic No.10.

Messi bags career first achievement despite missing Argentina's final qualifier

Lionel Messi bagged a career first achievement despite missing Argentina's final World Cup qualifying game against Ecuador. After an emotional outing on home soil against Venezuela last week, Messi travelled for the Ecuador clash but was granted a rest by Lionel Scaloni. Argentina lost 1-0, but Messi still finished as the overall top scorer in the CONMEBOL qualifying campaign.

Nightmare for Messi & Argentina! Key starter suspended for World Cup opener

Lionel Messi and Argentina have been dealt a major blow with Nicolas Otamendi now suspended for their 2026 World Cup opener after picking up a red card in their final qualifying match against Ecuador. The experienced defender was sent off for a reckless tackle in the 1-0 defeat, but Argentina still finished at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table.

'He sticks a finger up your ass' - Di Maria hails Argentina boss Scaloni

Angel Di Maria has urged Argentina to hand Lionel Scaloni a “lifetime contract” after hailing the coach’s impact and unique leadership style.

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Ex-MLS star to take Messi's No.10 shirt for Argentina

Lionel Messi will play no part in Argentina’s World Cup qualifier with Ecuador, meaning that his No.10 shirt will be passed to Thiago Almada.

Which country has won the most men’s FIFA World Cups?

Discover which national teams have lifted the World Cup the most times - and who’s catching up fast.

‘Not farewell’ - Di Maria suggests Messi will play beyond World Cup

Angel Di Maria has suggested that Lionel Messi will play on beyond the 2026 World Cup, claiming that no “farewell” has been bid with Argentina.

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Scaloni: Messi’s decision on 2026 World Cup still unclear

The Inter Miami star recently cast doubt on his participation in the next World Cup.

Messi told it would be a 'joke' to miss 'final dance' with Ronaldo

Lionel Messi has been told it would be a "joke" for him to miss a "final dance" with Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi Argentine Venezuela tunnel Tomas Rincon 2025

📽️ | Angry Messi clash! Argentine waits for rival in tunnel

Lionel Messi has cut an angry figure at times this season, with the Argentine involved in a behind the scenes clash with a Venezuelan rival.

Brentford v Aston Villa - Premier League

Villa's Martinez plan revealed after failed Man Utd move

Emiliano Martinez is set to return to the Aston Villa squad after failing to secure a move to Manchester United on transfer deadline day.

Argentina v Venezuela - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Beckham drops hint over Messi's Argentina future

David Beckham has fuelled speculation surrounding Lionel Messi's future with Argentina in a heartfelt tribute to the legendary forward.

Messi casts more doubt over 2026 World Cup prospects

Lionel Messi cast further doubt on his international career with Argentina as the legendary player shared an emotional note after what was potentially his final home game for the world champions. Messi scored twice in the 3-0 thumping of Venezuela on Thursday, but after the match the Argentine skipper hinted that he might not feature at the upcoming World Cup.

Musiala dubbed irreplaceable 'like Messi' after shock Slovakia loss

Jamal Musiala has been dubbed irreplaceable "like Lionel Messi" by German icon, Lothar Matthaus, after a shock World Cup qualifying defeat to Slovakia. The Bayern Munich midfielder fractured his fibula and damaged ankle ligaments following a brutal collision with Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the Club World Cup. The 22-year-old was stretchered off in Atlanta, visibly distraught, and Bayern later confirmed he requires surgery that will sideline him for several months.