News of international football

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

FIFA to probe Argentina over World Cup final ill-discipline, Malvinas banner

29-07-2026 18:25 FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against four Argentines and one Spaniard over incidents following World Cup final; AFA will also face probe over controversial Malvinas banner.

La Albiceleste and its legion of non-Argentine supporters

29-06-2026 13:12 They support Argentina at the World Cup, but are not Argentine...

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.

Lula jokes he is thinking of 'signing Messi' for Brazil

17-06-2026 21:47 Brazil president jokes that his nation should hire Argentina's Lionel Messi to play for his nation's football team.

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.

All eyes on Messi – but don’t forget the supporting cast

12-06-2026 08:48 Argentina can hurt opponents from anywhere on the pitch. There are plenty of candidates to become Messi’s latest World Cup partner-in-crime.

by Dan Edwards

Albiceleste set up camp in Kansas, buoyed by Messi's return

10-06-2026 23:21 Boost for Albiceleste as Lionel Messi nears full fitness, but Julián Álvarez is in a race against time to be fit for Argentina's World Cup opener.

Argentina stroll to pre-World Cup win over Honduras

07-06-2026 11:19 Argentina cruise to 2-0 friendly victory over Honduras in Texas; Marseille central defender Leonardo Balerdi has been ruled out of the World Cup with a calf injury.

Scaloni gives encouraging update on Messi fitness ahead of World Cup

05-06-2026 22:05 National team coach Lionel Scaloni says skipper could play "a few minutes" in upcoming friendly matches, likely one of the two.

Argentina eye World Cup double ahead of Group J opener

29-05-2026 09:50 The Albiceleste arrive at the World Cup aiming to become the first team in more than half a century to successfully defend their title. But since winning the title in Qatar four years ago, they have not played a single European side.

Can Messi deliver again for Argentina at his final World Cup?

29-05-2026 00:37 It will be a record sixth World Cup for Lionel Messi, and the decision to delay his retirement is a relief for an entire nation.

Messi in as Scaloni names 55-man longlist for World Cup squad

11-05-2026 13:06 Argentina skipper leads a preliminary 55-man shortlist as Argentina prepare to defend their title at World Cup 2026.

Argentina to play Honduras and Iceland in pre-World Cup friendlies

09-04-2026 17:56 'La Scaloneta' will face Honduras on June 6 in Texas and Iceland’s senior side on June 9 in Alabama ahead of World Cup kick-off.

Argentina take it easy on road to World Cup 2026 title defence

26-03-2026 15:02 Since winning the World Cup in 2022, the only notable sides the Albiceleste have faced have been Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay. Otherwise, the run of fixtures has been limited to friendlies against lower-level sides.

Tagliafico: Albiceleste must avoid ‘complacency’ at World Cup

25-03-2026 13:29 National team left-back says Argentina must guard against “complacency” as the defending champions prepare to defend their title at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Argentina to set up base camp in Kansas City for 2026 World Cup

05-02-2026 12:48 AFA confirms the Albiceleste will be based in Kansas City for the initial stages of the tournament, which will be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Messi scores as Argentina win in Angola

14-11-2025 15:36 Lionel Messi created the first goal and scored the second as world champions Argentina beat Angola 2-0 in an international friendly in Luanda on Friday.

Mac Allister and Martínez braces power Albiceleste win over Puerto Rico

15-10-2025 11:42 Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martínez each scored two goals as Argentina routed Puerto Rico 6-0 on Tuesday.

Lo Celso scores only goal as Argentina defeat Venezuela in Miami

11-10-2025 07:48 Giovani scores only goal of the game in Albiceleste's 1-0 win against Venezuela; No appearance from skipper Lionel Messi.