Former Spain midfielder Gaizka Mendieta has identified Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal as the two leading candidates for the 2026 Ballon d’Or award. The former Valencia and Barcelona star believes the outcome of the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain could have a major influence on who eventually takes home football’s most…
Argentina overcame a spirited challenge from tournament surprise package Cape Verde to secure a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory, booking their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after an enthralling knockout clash. Lionel Scaloni’s side looked set for a comfortable evening when captain Lionel Messi broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, latching onto an exquisite lofted…
Argentine forward Lionel Messi opened his record-breaking sixth World Cup with a hat-trick to become the tournament’s joint all-time top scorer on Tuesday as holders Argentina launched their bid for back-to-back titles with a dazzling 3-0 rout of Algeria. Messi delivered an electrifying individual display on a magical night at Kansas City’s 69,045-capacity Arrowhead Stadium to join Miroslav Klose…
