Argentine centre-back for Manchester United and Argentina
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.
Egypt beat Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Texas to reach the World Cup last 16 for the first time. Emam Ashour opened the scoring, Mohamed Hany own goal levelled, and Hossam Abdelmaguid sealed victory with the decisive penalty as Mohamed Salah starred for Egypt.
Argentina has progressed to the World Cup quarterfinals after a 3-2 win over Cape Verde, despite Cape Verde's late pressure and a stunning 103rd-minute equalizer by Sidney Lopes Cabral. Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, and Lisandro Martinez added a second before Cape Verde forced extra time with Cabral's dramatic equalizer. Argentina clinched victory with a stoppage-time goal.
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.
Egypt led 2-0 before a stoppage-time comeback by Argentina secures a 3-2 victory. Egypt alleges bias and calls for an investigation into referees and VAR decisions. The federation has filed complaints with FIFA amid claims of double standards and external influence.
Egypt has complained about officiating after a 3-2 World Cup loss to Argentina, with calls for investigations into the referees. FIFA chief referee Collina defends the officiating, saying the integrity of match officials is not in question as Argentina reaches the quarterfinals.
England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina features enforcement of a new rule allowing red cards for players who cover their mouths during verbal confrontations. Paredes questioned Kane’s actions; Hincapié and Almirón were punished earlier in the tournament for similar moves. The IFAB and FIFA have supported the measure, signaling stricter enforcement going forward.
Argentina beat England 2-1 to reach the 2026 World Cup final after a dramatic late comeback. A banner referencing Las Malvinas was displayed during the match, prompting security checks and discussions over sovereignty symbolism. The affair echoes decades of Falklands-related tensions that frame footballing rivalries.
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.
Wrexham has confirmed a high-profile pre-season tour to the United States, with fixtures against Leeds United, Liverpool and Sunderland. The team is focused on training and results as injuries shape squad selection ahead of the Championship campaign.
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 secures a 2-0 World Cup title after Ferran Torres nets in extra time, denying Argentina a repeat. Argentina's hopes end in a dramatic final at MetLife Stadium.
AI-driven prediction markets have surged during the 2026 World Cup, outpacing traditional sportsbooks. Kalshi leads, with record trading during the tournament, while fans wager through novel formats. The event follows a dramatic semi-final and a controversial banner incident.
Arsenal have begun the season with a string of wins, including a hard-fought Champions League victory over Napoli decided late by Martin Odegaard, and sit among early title favourites. Manchester United have opened their Champions League campaign with a 4-0 win at Old Trafford, while Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have also taken strong early European results.
Bruno Fernandes scores a hat-trick and adds an assist as Manchester United overturn a first-half deficit to beat Ipswich 5-2. Kobbie Mainoo is hailed as world-class by Luke Shaw, and new signing Baleba waits in the wings.
Arsenal has maintained a perfect start to the season after a 1-0 win at Sunderland, with Bruno Guimarães’s late strike and a pivotal penalty saved by David Raya. Mikel Arteta deems the decision to award a Sunderland penalty as unacceptable, and Arsenal will seek clarification from Pro Ref on VAR involvement.
Manchester City have won a dramatic Manchester derby, extending their lead at the top as United push hard but fall short. A red card for Phil Foden opened a chaotic half, with Enzo Fernandez offside controversy and Haaland finishing late to seal the result.
Manchester City have won 1-0 at Old Trafford after a controversial Haaland goal was initially ruled offside but overturned by VAR. Enzo Fernández’s offside position is at issue; Pro Ref later admits an error of judgement. Phil Foden’s red card also features in the reaction.
VAR has admitted an error of judgement in a Manchester derby; Haaland’s winner was allowed to stand amid offside concerns involving Enzo Fernandez. Brentford and Reading also clash over a high boot decision; critics call for clearer officiating as debates intensify around the role of VAR in domestic football.
VAR ruled Haaland onside for Manchester City’s 1-0 win over United before Pro Ref acknowledged an error of judgement. Officials will not officiate next fixtures after the international break as investigations begin. Carrick and Maresca have defended their positions amid renewed scrutiny of officiating and offside technology.