Argentinian football manager and former right-back, current Argentina head coach
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.
France 24 reports that DR Congo has advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, following a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. England tops Group L after a win over Panama; Belgium faces Senegal; US advances to the Round of 16 with favorable simulations.
Argentina secures a 3-2 win over Cape Verde after extra time, with Messi’s early goal followed by a Cape Verde comeback and a dramatic own goal sealing the result; Argentina advance to face Egypt in the last 16 while Cape Verde exit with their reputation enhanced.
France has advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals after Mbappé converted a 70th-minute penalty to beat Paraguay 1-0 in Philadelphia. He is now seven goals in the tournament, tying Lionel Messi for the top-scorer title with Mbappé one behind Messi’s overall World Cup record. France will face Morocco in Foxborough in the next round.
Argentina has rallied to reach the 2026 World Cup final after a dramatic late comeback against England, with Lionel Messi providing decisive assists and a late winning cross. Messi’s performance has cemented his status as the tournament’s standout, as Argentina seeks back-to-back titles.
France has been eliminated from the World Cup by Spain in a semi-final that exposed tactical limits and compact Spain control. Mbappé’s late pressing plus Spain’s suffocating midfield defined the result; bronze medal match awaits in Miami.
Spain defeats Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final with Ferran Torres scoring in extra time. Messi has endured heartbreak at the final and posts an emotional message reflecting on the journey. Argentina ends its title bid after two straight final appearances; Spain becomes the first nation to hold men’s and women’s World Cup titles simultaneously.
Spain has reached the World Cup final after defeating France 2-0, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro securing a dominant display. France’s hopes are dashed as the Spaniards fortify their bid for a first final since 2010.
Argentina has overturned England’s lead with a late goal from Lionel Messi to reach the World Cup final; England’s hopes crumble in Atlanta as Argentina’s experience seals the win.
Argentina has defeated England 2-1, with Messi providing two key assists as Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez score. Argentina eye back-to-back World Cup titles, a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1962. The team now advances to face Spain in the final.
Spain’s Lamine Yamal faces Lionel Messi as Argentina and Spain collide in the World Cup final. Messi, at 39, seeks one last crown while Yamal, 19, aims to cement his place among football’s greats. The match also marks a historic meeting with a UNICEF photo backstory that links the players since infancy.
Spain has won the World Cup final 1-0 in extra time against Argentina with Ferran Torres scoring in the 106th minute. Spain controlled the game with patient build-up and defensive solidity, while Argentina failed to threaten until late. The victory follows Spain’s sustained possession-based style under coach Luis de la Fuente.
Spain defeats Argentina in a dramatic final, delivering a standout team performance and concluding a tournament that delivered entertainment and questions about its lasting legacy. The victory underscores Spain’s cohesive style and resilience, while Argentina’s star power could not sustain a late comeback.
Spain defeats Argentina 1-0 in extra time to claim a second World Cup title. Ferran Torres scores the decisive goal in the 106th minute, capping a dominant display and a robust defensive performance from Luis de la Fuente’s side.
Spain defeats Argentina 1-0 in extra time to claim the World Cup title, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. The match features a tense post-final scuffle that FIFA is reviewing; Unai Simón records a standout defensive performance.
Spain and Argentina are preparing for a World Cup final in New Jersey after consistent runs through the tournament. Lionel Messi remains central to Argentina’s hopes, while Spain’s squad is confident as they meet in a clash of European champions and a team chasing a historic double.
Spain defeats Argentina 1-0 to claim its first World Cup since 2010. A post‑final scuffle involving Leandro Paredes and others led to red cards and a wider melee as Spain celebrates on home soil in MetLife Stadium.
Post-match brawl in New Jersey follows Spain's World Cup win; Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes are involved in confrontations with Spain players. FIFA has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches, with further action possible after reviewing match reports.
The Argentinian Football Association has designated 15 July as National Football Teams Day, commemorating the 2-1 World Cup semi-final win over England in Atlanta. FIFA is investigating a banner displayed after the match and related incidents. The move follows intense football diplomacy surrounding the Falkland Islands dispute.
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has returned to the field after his father Jorge’s funeral as he contemplates retirement. His father, who served as his agent, has died aged 68. Messi has expressed uncertainty about continuing to play, while teammates and opponents offer support as Miami exits the Leagues Cup group stage.
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team in a handwritten Instagram statement published on 31 August 2026. The 39-year-old has said he has "nothing left to give" after leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and to the 2026 final. Tributes and plans for a farewell match are under way; Argentina will meet friendly opponents in September.