News of lionel messi

Questions mount for Argentina's national team after Messi retirement

01-09-2026 15:10 With skipper Lionel Messi's retirement, coach Lionel Scaloni's future still unresolved and several key players hinting that their cycles with the national team are over, what next for the Albiceleste?

'Eternal': World mourns Messi's Argentina retirement

31-08-2026 17:42 Team-mates, football authorities and public figures paid tribute to the player many consider the greatest of all time.

Messi announces retirement from international football

31-08-2026 12:30 National team skipper announces he is retiring from international football after leading Argentina to a second successive World Cup final; "It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time," he reveals in post on Instagram.

by James Grainger

Messi hints playing career is nearing end with emotional tribute to father

12-08-2026 12:25 Grieving superstar says he is unsure about playing on “much longer” after death of his father; Emotional tribute reveals depth of their relationship, with skipper saying he doesn’t know “how to go on.”

In defence of Argentine culture and football

25-07-2026 04:54 z

by Agustino Fontevecchia

The return of the ugly Argentine

25-07-2026 04:34 Does the abuse being hurled against the country’s footballers by aggrieved foreigners whose national teams got knocked out early matter very much? It clearly does.

by James Neilson

'The last of Messi': Argentines mourn final loss and end of an era

19-07-2026 23:13 The nation's hope of yet another epic comeback led by Lionel Messi in the World Cup fizzled out against Spain.

Argentines flood onto streets to salute team despite World Cup final defeat

19-07-2026 23:01 Fans across the country applaud the Albiceleste after the World Cup final loss to Spain, as tributes pour in for Lionel Messi and Lionel Scaloni.

Lionel Scaloni on final defeat: Spain deserved to win World Cup

19-07-2026 20:11 Argentina coach casts doubt over his future after World Cup final loss, says his team must accept defeat with the same grace they showed when celebrating recent successes. 

Messi on eve of final: Argentina has already written history 'no-one can erase'

19-07-2026 09:32 Argentina captain says the team's greatest achievement has been the journey rather than the trophies as he delivers an emotional message to fans before Sunday's World Cup final.

King Messi faces Prince Yamal in final with World Cup at stake

16-07-2026 17:14 Almost 20 years on from the famous photo that Argentina’s skipper took with football’s newest star when Lamine Yamal was just a baby, the two will go head-to-head with the World Cup trophy at stake.

Master and apprentice as Spain, Argentina coaches meet in World Cup final

16-07-2026 15:39 Nine years ago, Argentina's coach was just another former professional player pursuing a career in coaching, studying for his pro-licence on the outskirts of Madrid. His teacher on the course? Luis de la Fuente.

Scaloni: Albiceleste smelt 'blood in water' in England win

15-07-2026 21:57 Coach said his team scented victory as England sat back after taking a 1-0 lead in their semi-final in Atlanta and went for broke to secure a deserved win.

Messi: 'Historical context' makes World Cup win over England 'special'

15-07-2026 21:31 Messi says he's looking forward to facing Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday; Skipper will face the country where he spent most of his career, at Barcelona.

Messi ventures into uncharted waters with England semi-final clash

13-07-2026 15:24 Every major footballing nation has fallen beneath his blade. All but one: England, the giant Lionel Messi will face for the first time on Wednesday in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

Argentina earn long-awaited semi-final with England after another ordeal

12-07-2026 16:48 Argentina will meet England in Wednesday's semi-final, a day after France take on Spain in the other last-four tie.

England, Argentina to renew bitter rivalry in World Cup semi-final

12-07-2026 11:33 The Albiceleste and their talisman Lionel Messi must defeat England in Atlanta to keep alive their hopes of becoming the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962.

Scaloni admits Argentina 'suffered' in Switzerland win

12-07-2026 01:38 Argentina coach says his side "suffered" in their 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland.

Scaloni wants 'never-say-die' legacy for his Argentina team

11-07-2026 08:42 National team coach says supporting the team is about "passion" and that he wants his side to be remembered as a collective that "never gave up."

Can ageless Messi keep delivering for Argentina at World Cup?

10-07-2026 09:40 Aside from their diminutive genius, Argentina's most potent weapon is their remarkable camaraderie. The defending champions are now unbeaten in 11 World Cup games and the nation is dreaming of a fourth world title.