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Icons Lionel Messi Argentina 2022 World Cup GFX

How Messi completed football at the 2022 World Cup

In the winter of 2022, under the lights of Lusail, Lionel Messi finally realised the dream he'd carried with him his entire life. After years of unrelenting pressure, bitter heartbreak and agonising near-misses, Argentina’s captain rose above expectation on football’s grandest stage to deliver his country the perfect ending - and to fulfill his own destiny. Welcome to the latest episode of Icons - a GOAL podcast that revisits the last 10 World Cups through the moments, characters, and controversies that defined them, bringing the spirit of each tournament vividly back to life.

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Scaloni backs Messi for 1,000 career goals and World Cup last dance

Lionel Scaloni has thrown his support behind Lionel Messi to potentially reach the historic 1,000 career goals milestone, while insisting the Argentina captain does have the "desire" to play at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking after a dominant friendly victory against Zambia, the Albiceleste boss emphasized that the Inter Miami star still possesses the hunger to compete at the very highest level despite already achieving his ultimate dream in Qatar.

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Will Messi play vs Zambia? Emotional Scaloni issues update

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will return to the starting line-up for Tuesday's friendly against Zambia at La Bombonera. The veteran forward’s inclusion comes as the coaching staff looks to finalise their 26-man roster for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Scaloni eventually left his press conference while holding back tears after addressing an injury blow for one of the nation's rising stars.

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World Cup decision? What Messi discussed in private meeting

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni admits to holding a private meeting with Lionel Messi, with the topics of discussion during that chat being revealed. The Albiceleste are busy piecing together plans for their World Cup title defence. Having captured a global crown at Qatar 2022, the intention is to go back-to-back in 2026. All-time great Messi is expected to form part of that trophy bid.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw

FIFA apologise for making Scaloni wear gloves to touch WC trophy

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has apologised to Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni after a bizarre mix-up at the 2026 World Cup draw forced the reigning world champion coach to wear gloves before touching the trophy. The incident caused confusion and frustration, prompting FIFA to stage a corrective ceremony the next day to make amends publicly.

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Scaloni denies 'impossible' talk of Argentina star switching to Italy

Lionel Scaloni has shut down speculation linking Roma forward Matias Soule with a potential switch to Italy, calling such talk “impossible”. The Argentina boss made it clear that the 21-year-old remains firmly in his plans for the Albiceleste. Scaloni hailed the youngster’s growth at Roma and described him as Argentina’s “future” ahead of their friendly against Puerto Rico.

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Nico Paz: The Como star who could help Argentina cope without Messi

Will he or won't he? Lionel Messi has a massive decision to make and, just eight months before the start of the 2026 World Cup, we still don't know whether he'll lead Argentina's title defence. "At my age, it's only logical to think I might not," the 38-year-old told TyC Sports just last month. But, let's face it, there's never really anything logical about Messi's career.

Argentina v Venezuela - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Argentina 'won't take any risks' with Messi

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has vowed not to take any risks with Lionel Messi during the October international friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico. Messi is doubtful for the Venezuela clash, which will be played on Saturday, only a day before Inter Miami face Atlanta United in a crucial MLS fixture. He will link up with his Argentine team-mates after playing seven matches in 21 days.

Frequently asked questions

Kylian Mbappe prefers to play on the left wing in attack, although he has been used as a striker in recent years, first by Didier Deschamps for France, then by his ex-boss Luis Enrique at his former club PSG, and now by Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.

Kylian Mbappe was born in the 19th arrondissement of Paris in France.

Kylian Mbappe completed his much-anticipated move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 and chose to wear the No.9, previously worn by his former French national teammate and Real Madrid's second highest goalscorer of all-time, Karim Benzema.

Kylian Mbappe stands at 1.78m (5ft 11in), with his height not regarded as one of his strengths.

Kylian Mbappe weighs 75kg (165 lbs), making him one of the fastest footballers on the planet.

In 2004, Kylian Mbappe joined AS Bondy, a club from Bondy, Seine-Saint-Denis, located in the northeastern suburbs of Paris, where he was raised as a child. He attended trials at clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea, before eventually signing for Monaco's academy at the age of 14.

No. Kylian Mbappe is yet to become a father.

While Kylian Mbappe is known to keep his relationships away from the public eye, he is currently rumoured to be dating Belgian model Stephanie Rose Bertram. He is yet to get married, though.