African Stars Panoramica

Lionel Scaloni has confirmed Lionel Messi will start on the bench for Argentina's final group-stage match after qualification was already secured. The head coach wants to manage his captain's workload while giving other members of the squad an opportunity to impress before the knockout stages.

Cape Verde have made football history by becoming the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout stages. Following a gritty group campaign, the Atlantic islanders have set up a dream round-of-32 showdown against Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina.

Luis Suarez has urged fans to stop comparing Lamine Yamal with Lionel Messi, insisting the pair are different players despite sharing similar qualities. The Inter Miami striker praised the Spain teenager's maturity under pressure while backing him to one day reach the same level as the Argentina legend.

The fact that Lionel Messi already has five goals at the 2026 World Cup is obviously a great thing for Argentina. The worry, though, is that none of his team-mates have even managed to score one. Admittedly, relying on Messi was always part of the plan. As striking legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic said on Fox Sports, "Messi isn't just Argentina's best player. He's Argentina's system."