Argentina

‘I don’t think I’ll play another World Cup’ says Lionel Messi when asked about 2026 tournament

Lionel Messi played his final home World Cup qualifier for Argentina on Thursday and dazzled the 85,000+ fans in Buenos Aires with a brace during the 3-0 victory vs. Venezuela. The 38-year-old then caught the attention of fans online with his comments after the game.

When asked about the likelihood of him playing in next summer’s 2026 World Cup and defending Argentina’s world title, Messi said it’s not likely.

Will Messi play in 2026 World Cup?

Lionel Messi set to play in final World Cup qualifier in Argentina, here’s how to watch

Lionel Messi is set to play his final World Cup qualifier in Argentina on Thursday, while four South American teams are still competing for the remaining automatic places at the 2026 tournament in what could be a dramatic climax.

The 38-year-old Argentina captain will take to the pitch at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires to face Venezuela in what he describes as a very special match, with his family set to be in attendance, including his wife, children, parents and siblings.

How to watch Messi's last World Cup qualifier in Argentina

United States, Australia, Japan and more: Countries that call it ‘soccer’ instead of ‘football’

When it comes to the world’s most popular sport, most of the globe agrees on one thing: it’s called football. But not every country is on the same page.

While the United States and Canada often get singled out for calling the game soccer, they’re not as alone as many think.

Here’s a look at 10 countries that use the term soccer—either officially, colloquially, or in common usage—showing that it’s not just North America going against the grain.

Argentina does not rely on Lionel Messi anymore, says manager Scaloni

June 10 (Reuters) - Argentina have learned to cope with Lionel Messi's absences and no longer need to rejig the line-up when the Inter Miami forward is not available, manager Lionel Scaloni said ahead of Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Colombia.

Since making his senior debut in 2005, Messi has scored 112 goals in 192 appearances for Argentina, winning the World Cup in 2022, two Copa America titles and a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Lionel Messi scores twice and assists twice in masterclass performance against Columbus Crew

Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass performance on Saturday night, scoring twice and assisting twice in Inter Miami’s dominant 5-1 victory over the Columbus Crew at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

Angel Di María announces exit from Benfica, future uncertain

May 18 (Reuters) - Angel Di María will not return for Benfica next season, the Argentine forward said after the club failed to win the Liga Portugal following a 1-1 draw at Braga on Saturday, finishing two points below champions Sporting.

The 37-year-old, who retired from international soccer last year after making 145 appearances for Argentina, has spent five years at Benfica in two spells, having re-joined the club in 2023 after playing for Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris St Germain and Juventus.

Lionel Messi says Mexico have fantasy rivalry with Argentina and he doesn’t know when it started

The Lionel Messi Mexico rivalry quote went viral on Thursday as the Inter Miami star said there's no rivalry between Argentina and El Tri. He doubled down saying that Mexico fans believe there's a rivalry when in reality there is none.

Messi appeared on Simplemente Fútbol when he shared his feelings on the disdain Mexico fans have for him.

Lionel Messi Mexico rivalry

Raphinha’s warning to Argentina: ‘We’ll beat them up! On the pitch and off the pitch if we have to’

RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazil's forward Raphinha has spiced up their highly-anticipated World Cup qualifying clash away to Argentina on Tuesday by guaranteeing he will score and suggesting the match between the bitter rivals will become more physical than it should be.

"We'll beat them up... Absolutely! Beat them up! On the pitch and off the pitch if we have to," Raphinha said in an interview on "Romario TV" with the Brazilian great.

"For sure I'm going to (score a goal against Argentina). I'm going in with everything I've got..."

Lionel Messi’s muscle discomfort strikes again: Argentina star OUT for international break

Lionel Messi was not included in Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni's squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil, with the forward missing out due to a muscle strain.

Why is Messi not playing for Argentina?

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