News of messi

Otamendi retires from Argentina's national team after World Cup

24-07-2026 05:03 Veteran defender ends an international career spanning 17 years and 139 appearances after helping the Albiceleste win the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles.

Rosalía's Argentine fans up in arms over alleged World Cup snub

24-07-2026 04:49 Fans try to flog their tickets for Spanish star's run of shows at Movistar Arena in Buenos Aires after musician shared social media post that was critical of Argentina's national football team.

Selección set for Messi-less low-key homecoming

20-07-2026 16:28 Argentina's return home was expected to be subdued Monday, with local media reporting that some players,  including Messi, would not be returning to Argentina.

'The pain is immense' – Messi's message after World Cup final defeat

20-07-2026 16:20 Messi came within one match of leading Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup title.

Domestic press laments Albiceleste defeat, hails end of an era

19-07-2026 22:35 Press reflects on Messi's emotional farewell and an uncertain future; Headlines focus on tears, farewell fears and the end of an era.

Messi denied dream farewell as Argentina disappoint in World Cup final

19-07-2026 20:23 Skipper's dream of lifting the trophy again, four years after he inspired Argentina to victory in Qatar, ultimately proved too good to be true.

From Maradona to Messi: Bangladesh's enduring love for Argentina

19-07-2026 09:04 The craze for Argentina has endured for decades in Bangladesh, a country of 170 million people who have never qualified for the World Cup.

Latin America's unlikely football unity: cheering against Argentina

18-07-2026 09:44 While Latin Americans have traditionally rallied behind football teams from the region who advance deep into the World Cup tournament, a flood of memes, jokes and criticism has made it clear there is one exception: Argentina.

Messi eyes glorious farewell as Spain, Argentina clash in World Cup final

17-07-2026 13:55 Holders Argentina are bidding to become the first team in 64 years to successfully defend the title, in what likely to be the final World Cup match of captain Lionel Messi's career.

Hasta el final: What propels Argentina's comeback kings

17-07-2026 12:22 A string of dramatic comebacks and extra-time victories fuels confidence that the Albiceleste will fight until the very end – and succeed.

Milei says won't attend World Cup final out of superstition

16-07-2026 15:29 British calls on FIFA to investigate after Argentina's players held up a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" after their victory over England.

UK urges FIFA to investigate Argentina’s Malvinas banner

16-07-2026 10:24 Argentina players celebrated victory with banner reading: “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”; Outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says FIFA should investigate but believes potential action is a matter for them.

Messi not done yet after inspiring Argentina to World Cup final

15-07-2026 23:05 Argentina captain added another chapter to his astonishing career on Wednesday, inspiring his team to victory in their semi-final against England.

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.

Argentina v England: Much more than just a game

14-07-2026 16:14 From the South Atlantic war to Diego Maradona's famous goals, the semi-final against England has ramifications far beyond the pitch.

'VAR-gentina?': Anti-Argentina conspiracy theories out in force at World Cup

13-07-2026 16:29 Defending champions' journey to the last four has been engulfed by online conspiracy theories claiming – without evidence – that the playing field has been tilted in their favour.

Messi admits Argentina's 'England match is special'

12-07-2026 13:37 "I've played against everyone except England and it's special because they're a great team, a footballing powerhouse," says national team skipper.

Lionel Scaloni says England World Cup semi 'just a football game'

12-07-2026 11:38 "It is a football game and we will be playing against a very tough opponent. This is a football game and that's all," declares Argentina boss.

Argentina sink 10-man Swiss to set up England World Cup semi-final clash

12-07-2026 01:30 Julián Álvarez's screamer inspires Argentina to a battling 3-1 win over 10-man Switzerland, setting up a World Cup semi-final against England.

World Cup culture wars and the legend of Messi

11-07-2026 09:32 World Cups don’t occur in a vacuum. Rather, they are an integral part of the construction of cultural subjectivity across the globe given the prevalence and capillarity of football. Argentina’s central role in global football and its obsessed population add complexity and intensity.

by Agustino Fontevecchia