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Argentina news

Cristiano Ronaldo Lionel Messi 2026 World Cup Portugal Argentina

Explained: Why Ronaldo gets more criticism than Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo retains the ability to make “people shut their mouth”, Louis Saha has told GOAL, with a former Manchester United team-mate of CR7 explaining why the Portuguese superstar attracts more criticism than fellow GOAT Lionel Messi. Both men are currently on 2026 World Cup duty, with more questions being put to an evergreen European frontman than his eternal South American rival is facing.

Jordan v Argentina: Group J - FIFA World Cup 2026

Scaloni addresses Messi reliance ahead of Cape Verde tie

Lionel Scaloni has defended Argentina's attacking variety ahead of their World Cup knockout opener against tournament surprise package Cape Verde in Miami. The manager insists he remains completely unconcerned by his talismanic captain's heavy goalscoring burden, despite the veteran forward netting six goals during the group stage.

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World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings: Mbappe level with Messi

The 2026 World Cup is well underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long and winding road to be navigated as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL tracks the tournament's most prolific stars.

GFX Golden Ball

World Cup Golden Ball Power Rankings: Messi in at No.1

The 2026 World Cup is underway as those still in contention fight it out for the universally coveted trophy. While the collective prize is the main objective for all competitors, some are already making their claim as the best player of the entire tournament. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are currently the top candidates, but they face intense competition as we go further into the knockout rounds.

enzo-fernandez

Fernandez 'looking for a way out of Chelsea'

Enzo Fernandez's representative, Javier Pastore, has admitted the Chelsea midfielder's camp is exploring a move away from Stamford Bridge. While no deal is in place, the Argentine also addressed the player's links with Real Madrid and insisted the player remains fully focused on the 2026 World Cup.

USA v Bosnia and Herzegovina: Round Of 32 - FIFA World Cup 2026

Balogun red card sparks Messi comparison as USMNT fume

The USMNT's victory over Bosnia was overshadowed by Folarin Balogun's controversial red card, with Mauricio Pochettino insisting the striker's challenge was accidental. Alexi Lalas also questioned why a similar incident involving Lionel Messi earlier in the tournament went unpunished, sparking accusations of inconsistent officiating.

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Messi & Mbappe the stars but Iniesta backs Yamal and Spain for glory

Andres Iniesta has backed Lamine Yamal to guide Spain to a second World Cup star, despite the teenager battling injury issues. Iniesta also highlighted the brilliance of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who lead the scoring charts. Spain have progressed to face Austria, while France have already reached the last 16 in a highly unpredictable tournament.

GFX Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo

Messi-Ronaldo rivalry will never be repeated, says Kahn

Former Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has paid a glowing tribute to the historic rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Bayern Munich icon believes the two superstars created a unique standard of consistency that world football will never witness again, as both legends continue their historic battle at the World Cup.

Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo 2025

'Messi doesn't upset team-mates' - CR7 'accident waiting to happen'

England icon John Barnes has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo's attitude could derail Portugal in the World Cup knockout stages, describing the situation as an accident waiting to happen. In contrast, Barnes praised Lionel Messi, highlighting how the Argentina captain's humble nature unites his team-mates, unlike Ronaldo who creates tension when things do not go his way.

Lionel Messi Tom Holland

🎥| Messi meets Holland in hilarious Spider-Man promo

Lionel Messi has proven he is a superhero on the pitch for decades, but the legendary Argentine has now taken things a step further by appearing alongside Tom Holland in a viral crossover. The Inter Miami star features in a hilarious new teaser for the upcoming Marvel blockbuster Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Peter Shilton Diego Maradona 1986 World Cup

No Hand of God or wonder goal! VAR would’ve changed history

Peter Shilton has explained to GOAL how VAR would have changed the course of history had it been around in 1986, as there would have been no ‘Hand of God’, individual wonder goal or World Cup win for Diego Maradona. Argentina’s mercurial No.10 quite literally carried his nation to global glory single-handedly on Mexican soil, with his most memorable performance being delivered against England at the quarter-final stage.

GFX Lionel Messi Lamine Yamal

Yamal set World Cup challenge in order to match Messi & Co

Spain sensation Lamine Yamal has been warned that he still has plenty to prove on the international stage despite his meteoric rise at Barcelona. Argentina legend Mario Kempes has challenged the teenager to replicate his club form at the World Cup if he wants to be considered a true superstar of the game.

Spain v Cabo Verde: Group H - FIFA World Cup 2026

How have debutant teams performed at the FIFA World Cup?

Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It is the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde have achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, with the African nation to face Lionel Messi's Argentina on Friday.

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WC26 Power Rankings: Draw opens up for Messi & Argentina

The group stages of the 2026 World Cup are in the books after a thrilling fortnight of action across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Despite a lack of eye-catching fixtures on paper in the new, expanded format, there has been drama aplenty, with all the big names showing up for their respective countries on football's biggest stage.