Argentine football midfielder for Inter Miami and Argentina national team
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.
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.
Manchester United have secured Youri Tielemans on a four-year deal after activating a release clause; Andrey Santos has joined from Chelsea in a deal around £48m. Ederson’s move from Atalanta has stalled after a medical, prompting a shift toward younger targets as United recalibrate amid a crowded market.
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.
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.
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.
United have already signed two midfielders this window and face injuries and departures that heighten the need for further reinforcements. Several targets are in play, with attention turning to a potential homegrown option as pre-season shows rising balance in midfield.
Spain has captured a second World Cup title with a 1-0 victory over Argentina in New Jersey. The win completes a dramatic tournament, with Messi’s form a defining thread. Post-match celebrations are underway across Spain while FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings over on-field clashes.
Jorge Messi has died in Rosario at 68 after a long illness, the family and Newell's Old Boys have announced. Inter Miami, Barcelona and national football bodies have paid tribute; Lionel Messi has returned to Argentina and missed Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match while teammates and clubs held moments of silence and wore black armbands.
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.
Messi has announced his retirement from international duty and will be honoured in a farewell match on 6 October in Buenos Aires. Argentina will host Benin, Burkina Faso and Bolivia in a FIFA window with reductions in capacity due to sanctions. Several players face suspensions from the World Cup final. The event marks Argentina’s return home after the tournament and signals changes ahead for the national team.