Argentine football manager and former player, head coach of Argentina
England has topped Group L after beating Panama, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo has advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. Belgium faces Senegal in the last-16 as the Round of 32 begins.
Argentina has named Lionel Messi among 55 players in its preliminary World Cup squad, with ongoing questions over his availability. Gianluca Prestianni faces a worldwide ban extension that could affect Argentina’s opening games; the World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with Algeria, Austria and Jordan in Argentina’s group.
Argentina has named a 26-man World Cup squad, led by Lionel Messi, despite a left hamstring fatigue that has sidelined him from Inter Miami's latest match. Recovery times vary; Argentina will base in Kansas City with friendlies in the lead-up.
Lionel Messi has extended the men’s World Cup scoring record and continued a prolific tournament run. He has scored in consecutive World Cup matches, netting goals from open play and set pieces while helping Argentina secure group-stage wins and progress toward the knockout rounds in the 2026 tournament.
Cape Verde has reached the World Cup round of 32 and will play defending champion Argentina in Miami on July 3 after finishing second in Group H. The island debutants have drawn with Spain and Uruguay and held Saudi Arabia to 0-0, becoming the smallest country ever to reach the knockout stage in World Cup history.
Lionel Messi has moved clear in World Cup scoring, reaching 18 goals across six tournaments. The Argentinian captain scored in additional time after a late chance was missed from the spot, as Argentina secures a win to stay on track for knockout qualification.