News of sports

Can ageless Messi keep delivering for Argentina at World Cup?

Yesterday 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.

‘La cuarta estrella’: Players embrace fans' new World Cup anthem

09-07-2026 18:36 'La cuarta estrella' has swept through the stands before being adopted by the players themselves after their dramatic victory over Egypt, rekindling memories of Qatar 2022’s 'Muchachos.'

'We didn't want to go home' – Messi on dramatic comeback

07-07-2026 22:43 Skipper on his emotions following victory over Egypt: "It was a feeling of pure happiness and relief."

Egypt were 'cheated' in controversial World Cup exit to Argentina, says coach

07-07-2026 22:38 "Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champions in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running," says Egypt coach Hossam Hassan after dramatic loss to Argentina.

Argentina produce epic World Cup fightback to beat Egypt, reach quarters

07-07-2026 15:39 Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a stunning late comeback as the reigning champions beat Egypt 3-2 on Tuesday to reach the World Cup quarter-finals; Match swung by controversial VAR call against African side.

Lionel Messi versus Mohamed Salah in World Cup last-16 showdown

07-07-2026 08:53 Argentina survived a huge scare from World Cup first-timers Cape Verde in the last 32. They will hope to resume normal service against Egypt – who have never been beyond the round of 16.

More stars or stripes?

04-07-2026 00:41 Within a decade of the Civil War, the US economy had overtaken Great Britain and the entire British Empire by around 1895 – from that point onward, it was more a question of the US impact on world history than the reverse.

by Michael Soltys

Lionel Scaloni admits Argentina escape after Cape Verde scare

03-07-2026 22:37 Argentina's coach says defeat to Cape Verde would have been "madness"; World champions survived extra-time thriller to reach the World Cup last 16, where they will face Egypt.

Nurse says psychiatrist downplayed Maradona's crisis during home hospitalisation

02-07-2026 17:46 Diego Maradona suffered a sudden change in mood that was downplayed by his psychiatrist during the period of home hospitalisation in which he died, claims nurse in testimony.

Uruguay veteran Edison Cavani departs Boca Juniors

02-07-2026 08:12 Uruguayan striker leaves Boca without having won a title and acknowledges he had "difficult moments" that prevented him from "leaving a mark" on the club.

Scaloni reaches century of games with Argentina as AFA eyes new deal

29-06-2026 20:56 Argentina's 48-year-old head coach has become the unlikely architect of one of the greatest eras in the nation's sporting history.

Nico Paz happy to extend Como loan say Real Madrid

29-06-2026 17:43 Real Madrid have given Argentina star Nico Paz permission to extend his loan deal with Italian side Como.

Cape Verde extend World Cup 'dream' to set up Argentina clash

27-06-2026 08:41 World Cup debutants Cape Verde will face Argentina in the knockout rounds after African side secured shock qualification from group stage.

Messi to start dead-rubber World Cup group match on bench

27-06-2026 08:33 "Leo will come on later and I’ve already confirmed the team, but we’re going to announce it tomorrow," coach Lionel Scaloni told reporters on Friday.

With or without Messi? Argentina's big question against Jordan

26-06-2026 11:12 Saturday's rotated side could still include players eager to maintain rhythm and those seeking it. Julián Álvarez is expected to start, with changes to the defence and midfield also likely.

Stories that caught our eye: June 19 to 26

25-06-2026 23:41 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

World Cup exploits of Maradona and Messi have Argentina fans in raptures

22-06-2026 21:37 Fans buzzing after Lionel Messi bags another two goals in Argentina's second World Cup 2026 match.

Scaloni on Argentina's win over Austria: 'When Messi switches on, everyone switches on'

22-06-2026 18:10 Lionel Messi scored both goals in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria, securing the Albiceleste's place in the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup.

Scaloni: Heat and drinks breaks help smaller teams at World Cup

22-06-2026 08:56 Hydration breaks are helping the smaller teams at the World Cup, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Sunday.

Ageless Messi has World Cup scoring record in his sights

22-06-2026 08:50 Argentina can qualify for the next round with a victory against Austria and would be assured of finishing top of Group J if Jordan fail to beat Algeria later on Monday.

Algeria file complaint over referee's decision on Messi tackle

19-06-2026 17:19 Argentina's skipper caught Algeria defender Aissa Mandi on the calf with a studs-up challenge from behind in the 30th minute of Tuesday's match but was not even booked.

Stories that caught our eye: June 12 to 19

19-06-2026 16:50 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

Boca Juniors confirm Rodolfo Arruabarrena's return as head coach

19-06-2026 10:20 Former Boca defender returns to the club to begin a second spell as head coach, signing a contract until December 2027.

Messi family seeks privacy with statement on health of player’s father

18-06-2026 16:28 Jorge Messi, Argentina skipper’s father, is recovering from 'health issue,’ confirms family in a statement; Lionel broke down in tears during match against Algeria and hinted afterwards it was a family issue.

Magic Messi bags hat-trick, breaks World Cup record as Argentina rout Algeria

17-06-2026 00:44 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.

Di María backs Argentina from afar: 'With you until the end of the world'

16-06-2026 17:02 For the first time in 16 years, Ángel Di María will not lace up his boots at a World Cup, having appeared in four editions of the tournament.

Argentina launch bid for back-to-back title in Messi's sixth World Cup

15-06-2026 11:11 Algeria will be Argentina's first hurdle in Group J, while Austria and Jordan await in Dallas on June 22 and June 27.

Messi heads into historic sixth World Cup ‘as excited as ever’

14-06-2026 15:21 Simply by stepping onto the pitch on Tuesday against Algeria, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star will become the first player ever to appear at six World Cups.