The final pitted two former champions against each other, yet for numerous viewers the contest carried significance beyond football. While Spain’s colonial history drew criticism, Argentina faced particular scrutiny over repeated racist incidents linked to its supporters and the political stance of the country’s leadership.

Racist Incidents Overshadow Success

Videos circulated on social media showing Argentinian fans directing racial epithets towards Black people, including verbal assaults on American streamer IShowSpeed. The incidents followed controversy at the Copa América, where members of Argentina’s squad sang a racist chant targeting France’s Black players immediately following their tournament victory.

The chant, which drew worldwide condemnation, contributed to a perception that racist attitudes pervade sections of the Argentinian football community. Supporters were also filmed wearing Argentina team colours while hurling abuse, creating an association between the national team and discriminatory behaviour.

Messi’s Silence

Star forward Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history alongside Pelé, did not publicly condemn these incidents during the World Cup. He offered no statement addressing the racist abuse from supporters, nor did he criticise the Copa América chant that sparked international backlash.

Writer Etan Thomas argued that sporting greatness does not automatically translate to moral courage. “A time comes when silence is betrayal,” Thomas wrote, quoting Dr Martin Luther King Jr. The observation highlighted a distinction between athletic achievement and willingness to confront discrimination.

Thomas contrasted Messi’s approach with emerging talents such as Spain’s Lamine Yamal, who has spoken openly about his family’s struggles with poverty and his father’s efforts to find discarded items that could be repaired or sold for food money. Yamal’s willingness to discuss social issues presented a sharp contrast to the Argentinian captain’s reticence.

Political Context

Beyond the terraces, political factors influenced sentiment against Argentina. President Javier Milei has embraced positions aligning closely with former US president Donald Trump and offered vocal support for Israel during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated he supported Argentina “before Messi” because of Milei’s stance.

The combination of fan behaviour, the captain’s silence and political associations led many Black American viewers to favour Spain during the final, despite acknowledging Spain’s own historical complexities regarding colonialism and race.

The shift marks a significant change from previous tournaments, where fans typically supported fellow Latin American teams against European opposition. Argentina, who have reached three of the past four World Cup finals and lifted at least one title during that run, enter the match as the continent’s most successful national side. Star forward Lionel Messi, 39, remains central to their campaign.

However, a series of controversial incidents has eroded goodwill. Racist behaviour by some Argentinian supporters has been widely documented, including monkey gestures directed at Brazilian fans and abuse aimed at US influencer IShowSpeed during the semi-final against Cape Verde. The issues extend beyond the terraces; players were filmed chanting songs of a racist and homophobic nature following their 2024 Copa América triumph.

Regional Tensions

Nicolás Cabrera, an Argentinian sociologist based in Rio de Janeiro, observed that “rifts began to appear for several reasons”. While Argentina’s traditional rivals Brazil, Uruguay and Chile have long rooted against the Albiceleste, the sentiment has spread to Mexico, Colombia and Ecuador.

Cabrera attributes this partly to the expansion of the Copa Libertadores, which has grown from around 20 teams in the 1990s to nearly 50 today. “As our teams play each other more often, fans start winding each other up,” he noted. Social media has compounded the issue, with discriminatory language now circulating more visibly than in the past.

Legal and Social Context

Unlike Brazil, where racial insult constitutes a criminal offence, Argentina lacks specific legislation that explicitly criminalises racist abuse. This legal distinction has drawn criticism, particularly after several Argentinian tourists were arrested in Brazil for racial insults whilst others escaped sanction.

Brazilian journalist Julia Duailibi captured the mood in a column for O Globo, stating that racist scenes involving fans “turned my stomach” and prevented her from supporting the “hermanos”. Her comments follow televised remarks by an Argentinian journalist who declared he hated Mexicans “with all his soul”, prompting Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum to call the comments “outrageous”.

Divided Loyalties

Not all observers have been swayed. Brazilian historian Fábio Luís Barbosa dos Santos maintained he would still support Argentina, suggesting that historical colonial abuses meant Spain should face similar scrutiny regarding racism.

The divisions highlight how footballing success has coincided with a complex reputational challenge for Argentina as they seek global glory.

The former Napoli boss, who departed the Stadio Maradona in May following two seasons in charge, spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport while on holiday with his family. The newspaper noted that Conte agreed to the interview on the condition that discussions about his future were strictly off limits.

Italy job speculation dismissed

When pressed on the Azzurri role, Conte remained firm. “Too many things have been said. It’s time for action, not for talk and politics,” he stated. “We cannot miss three World Cups in a row. A feat has been accomplished, but in reverse.”

The Italy position has been heavily linked with Conte throughout the summer, though recent reports suggest his candidacy has diminished following Paolo Maldini’s appointment as technical director.

Former strikers earn lavish praise

Conte instead focused his attention on the upcoming last-four tie between England and Argentina, offering insight into two players he managed during spells at Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan respectively.

On Kane, now spearheading Bayern Munich’s attack, Conte highlighted the striker’s versatility. “Harry [Kane] is a great No.9, but he’s almost a No.10 too,” he explained. “He understands the movements; he knows when to drop deep and play as a playmaker.”

The 54-year-old also defended Kane’s leadership credentials, noting: “Kane is a leader in his own way. Perhaps not with words, but inside the game. His teammates look for him because they trust him, and he never lets them down.”

Regarding Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, Conte emphasised the Argentine’s influence. “There’s an Inter with Lautaro and an Inter without Lautaro. His presence shifts the balance,” he said. He also praised Lautaro’s unselfishness during Argentina’s campaign, referencing his involvement in the third goal against Egypt. “Lautaro, like Julian Alvarez, understood that he could still be important even if only for a few minutes. They accepted the situation by putting their egos aside and prioritising the team’s needs.”

Conte also saluted Lionel Messi’s tournament performance, remarking: “He’s gone beyond expectations, once more. He has arrived in incredible shape, which once again proves his incredible professionalism and desire.”

The winner of the semifinal between England and Argentina will advance to face Spain in the final. Conte, meanwhile, continues to enjoy his break from management following his departure from Naples.

The former Azzurri stars joined fellow icons including Gabriel Batistuta, Romario and Ronaldo himself for a roundtable discussion that turned to the contentious GOAT debate. Though both men are World Cup veterans, they diverged sharply when choosing between Messi, Pelé, Diego Maradona and the Brazilian forwards.

Baggio: Quality and Quantity

Baggio, who represented Italy at three World Cup tournaments, acknowledged the difficulty of ranking such exceptional talents. He described the exercise as “even ugly to rank” when discussing players he considers “the absolute essence of football.”

Nevertheless, the 1993 Ballon d’Or winner settled on Messi, citing the Argentine’s sustained excellence. “As of today, I’d say Messi for what he’s been doing for 20 years, in terms of quality and quantity,” Baggio stated, though he stressed that Messi, Pelé and Maradona all stand above their peers.

Materazzi: The ‘Real’ Ronaldo

Materazzi, however, selected the player seated alongside him. The 2006 World Cup winner argued that Ronaldo Nazário achieved things “nobody has done” despite career-threatening injuries.

“Because what he did without two knees, going 150 km/h, nobody has done it,” Materazzi explained. He described the Brazilian as “Martian” for his ability to dominate during an era when “defenders hit hard.” Materazzi offered respect to Cristiano Ronaldo while clarifying his choice: “To me, it was him, the Phenomenon. The Real Ronaldo.”

World Cup Pedigrees

The debate carries weight given both Italians’ distinguished international careers. Baggio competed in the 1990, 1994 and 1998 tournaments, famously missing a penalty in the 1994 final defeat to Brazil. Materazzi enjoyed World Cup glory in 2006—the only edition he played—scoring twice during the tournament including the equaliser against France in the Berlin final.

While the GOAT question remains subjective, the split between two of Italy’s most celebrated players highlights how different eras and playing styles shape such judgments.

When Jorge Sampaoli departed following Argentina‘s chaotic 2018 World Cup campaign, the Argentinian Football Association faced a crisis. Financial constraints left the AFA unable to attract a high-profile replacement. Scaloni, who had served as Sampaoli’s assistant in Russia and was managing the under-21 side, emerged as the most viable option.

Initially, the former West Ham full-back received only a temporary mandate. His task was limited to overseeing six friendly matches until the end of 2018, after which the association hoped to appoint a permanent figure. Scaloni continued his work with the under-21s, leading them at a tournament in Valencia while uncertainty surrounded the senior role.

Rebuilding with Messi

Central to Scaloni’s success has been his restoration of the national team’s relationship with Lionel Messi. The connection dates back to 2005, when Messi made his international debut against Hungary. On that day in Budapest, the teenage forward received just two passes after coming off the bench; both came from Scaloni.

Following the disappointment of the 2018 World Cup, Messi had withdrawn from international duty. Scaloni recognised that rebuilding the side required his captain’s return. He enlisted Pablo Aimar—Messi’s childhood idol and a former Valencia playmaker—to help make the approach. Aimar, alongside former centre-back Walter Samuel, forms part of Scaloni’s backroom team. All three were members of Argentina’s 1997 Under-20 World Cup-winning squad, a shared heritage that may have helped convince Messi to commit again.

A Culture of Calm

Scaloni’s management style contrasts sharply with the tension of previous regimes. Where Sampaoli had appeared overwhelmed by pressure, Scaloni has cultivated an environment centred on squad unity. His analyst has noted that traditional team barbecues can prove as valuable as tactical sessions for building the togetherness required during intensive tournament schedules.

The manager has fostered an almost paternal bond with Messi, despite being only nine years his senior. Earlier in the current campaign, Scaloni observed that his captain enjoys a unique status within the group. “He has a group of friends by his side,” Scaloni explained. “People who will give their all for him, who see him as a god, but also as a kid from the barrio.”

On the Brink of History

Having guided Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, Scaloni now stands on the verge of leading the nation to a historic achievement. Should the Albiceleste successfully defend their title, they would become only the third country to win back-to-back World Cups.

The journey from a temporary six-game appointment to the threshold of football immortality represents one of the most remarkable managerial transformations in modern international football.

Related coverage

• Cape Verde
• Croatia

The discussion centres on how best to measure excellence at the highest level. Messi’s career has been characterised by extraordinary durability at the summit of the sport. Analysts observe that his consistency and longevity are unparalleled, representing a standard of sustained performance maintained across numerous seasons at elite clubs and on the international stage. This reliability has allowed him to accumulate achievements over a prolonged period, setting benchmarks for endurance in modern football.

Maradona’s case rests partly on concentrated historic impact during his time in Italy. The playmaker led Napoli to their first scudetto, securing the club’s inaugural Serie A championship. This triumph broke new ground for the Neapolitan side, establishing a milestone that defined an era for the team. The achievement demonstrated an ability to deliver silverware to clubs seeking breakthrough success.

The comparison illustrates the tension between different forms of greatness. Messi’s unparalleled longevity reflects an ability to adapt and excel across changing tactical landscapes and physical demands over many years. Meanwhile, Maradona’s Napoli success represents the capacity to alter a club’s trajectory through decisive contributions during a concentrated period.

The discourse reflects broader questions about how football history evaluates its protagonists. Some observers prioritise the cumulative weight of career statistics and appearances at the highest level, areas where Messi’s lengthy tenure provides compelling evidence. Others emphasise the ability to secure historic firsts, citing Maradona’s delivery of Napoli’s maiden crown as a defining example of individual impact on collective fortunes.

As the global game anticipates the 2026 finals, the contrast between these Argentine legends remains a touchstone for discussions about sporting immortality. Their careers offer distinct templates for understanding impact—one built upon decade-spanning consistency, the other upon history-making moments that reshaped club histories.

The meeting between two of football’s most celebrated number tens occurred shortly after the final whistle. Baggio was in attendance at the venue as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was photographed alongside the former Italy international before presenting him with the garment.

The exchange highlighted the mutual respect between players widely regarded as among the most gifted attackers of their generations. While Messi continues to lead Argentina’s charge in the competition, Baggio’s presence served as a reminder of the enduring bonds that link legendary figures across different eras of the global game.

The gesture resonated with supporters, illustrating the camaraderie that exists among elite performers who have graced football’s biggest stages. Such moments transcend the rivalry of competition, offering fans a glimpse of the personal connections forged through shared excellence.

Social Media Acknowledgement

The former Italy international later took to Instagram to share his appreciation for the gesture. Baggio posted an image of himself alongside Messi, capturing both players smiling following the exchange, which took place in the early hours.

“Thank you, Leo, for your precious gift and for your affection. I love you lots, my friend,” Baggio wrote. The message accompanied a photograph showing the Italian holding the prized shirt alongside the Argentina captain.

Argentina’s Semi-final Progression

The victory in Kansas City proved hard-fought, requiring an additional 30 minutes to separate the sides after normal time. The 3-1 scoreline ultimately confirmed Argentina’s place in the semi-finals for the third time in four tournaments, underlining their sustained presence among the sport’s elite nations.

The team will now prepare for their next assignment as they seek to maintain their challenge for the title. Their progression through a tense quarter-final encounter keeps alive their hopes of securing further success, with the side demonstrating resilience to overcome Swiss opposition in the knockout phase.

The result ensures Messi remains at the centre of the tournament narrative, with the captain’s influence extending beyond the pitch through gestures such as the shirt exchange with Baggio. As Argentina turn their attention to the semi-final, they carry the momentum of a side accustomed to competing at the highest level.

The archipelago nation of roughly half a million people secured their place in the last 16 with a tense 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia. That result followed an equally impressive goalless stalemate against European champions Spain and a spirited display against Uruguay, in which Kevin Pina scored.

Road to the Knockouts

Bubista’s side have proven stubborn opponents for elite competition. They held Spain to a 0-0 draw in a performance that effectively brought the country to a standstill. “For the Spain game everyone was given a half day off,” explained Praia-based journalist Joao Pina. “But really we can say no one worked that day.”

Pina’s wondergoal against Uruguay provided the tournament’s standout moment for the African side, while a disciplined defensive display against Saudi Arabia ensured progression. Throughout the campaign, goalkeeper Vozinha has emerged as a national icon, gaining 17.5 million new Instagram followers during the past fortnight.

A Nation Transformed

The team’s success has sparked a nationwide celebration that extends far beyond football stadiums. At the Festival da Gamboa on Santiago Island, thousands gathered on the beach to watch the decisive Saudi Arabia match. “It was simply incredible,” said Janice Miranda, describing the scenes. “Seeing so many Cape Verdeans celebrating this important milestone with us was an unforgettable experience.”

Blue, white and red national kits have become the unofficial uniform across the nine inhabited islands. “It’s a party. Each game is a party,” said teacher Anibele Lizardo. “They told us we had a 1% chance to win but we don’t care about the odds.”

The visibility of the national flag has surged. Previously confined largely to official buildings, it now flies from houses, cars and motorbikes. “Before this, no one knew where Cape Verde was,” Lizardo noted. The team’s achievements have proved particularly remarkable given that the country does not operate a professional domestic league, relying instead on a diaspora talent pipeline and players based in Portugal.

The Argentina Challenge

Friday’s meeting with the world champions represents the sternest test yet. Lionel Messi and Argentina await in Miami, presenting a daunting prospect for the underdogs.

Yet confidence remains high on the islands. Vozinha himself is relishing the occasion. “Sharing the pitch with Messi is a dream,” he said. The goalkeeper added that he would proudly recount the experience to his children in years to come.

Regardless of the outcome, the Blue Sharks have already secured their legacy. From Gamboa Beach to the streets of Mindelo, Cape Verde will watch as their team makes history once more.

Egypt stunned the defending champions with a spirited display. Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring with a header in the 15th minute, and though Mostafa Shobeir saved a Lionel Messi penalty five minutes later—the Argentine captain’s second miss from the spot this tournament—the Pharaohs appeared set for a famous victory when Ziko converted Haissem Hassan’s delivery shortly after the hour mark. Ziko had earlier seen a goal disallowed following a lengthy VAR review for a foul in the buildup, during which he received a yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration. Messi also struck the woodwork from a free-kick as Lionel Scaloni’s side trailed 2-0 entering the final ten minutes.

The comeback began when Messi recorded his ninth World Cup assist with a pinpoint cross for Cristian Romero to head home in the 80th minute. Four minutes later, the captain levelled with a powerful strike to extend his record of scoring in consecutive games to nine. Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround in the 92nd minute with a header that secured Argentina’s place in the last eight, though Egypt were incensed that the winner stood after having a penalty appeal rejected at the other end moments earlier.

The disparity in VAR usage drew heavy criticism from supporters. One observer argued that a similar incident “wouldn’t have been given against a Messi team,” while another noted that VAR is designed to correct “clear and obvious mistakes,” suggesting that “the only thing here clear and obvious is” Egypt were denied fair treatment. Further reaction highlighted Egypt’s failure to maintain their attacking threat against a vulnerable defence after establishing their two-goal cushion.

Former Bundesliga players Nicolas Gonzalez and Omar Marmoush appeared as late substitutes. Argentina will face the winners of the Colombia versus Switzerland tie in the quarter-finals, while Egypt exit the tournament despite demonstrating their capacity to trouble elite opposition.

The 32-year-old’s latest goal proved decisive as the Three Lions secured their place in the quarter-finals. Kane has now scored 85 goals in 119 appearances for England, reinforcing his status as the country’s record marksman and underlining his reputation as one of the most reliable finishers in international football history. His current tournament tally of six goals demonstrates his enduring threat at the highest level and his capacity to deliver when it matters most on the global stage. His six goals in this tournament alone place him among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot.

Scaling the scoring charts

Kane’s 14 World Cup goals place him alongside Müller in the competition’s scoring hierarchy. The England captain sits just one goal behind Brazilian icon Ronaldo, who has 15, while further ahead lie Germany’s Miroslav Klose on 16. France’s Kylian Mbappé occupies second place with 19 goals, with record-holder Lionel Messi leading the all-time list with 20 goals.

The achievement is particularly notable given that Fontaine set his record in a single tournament in 1958, while Müller established his benchmark across multiple World Cups during Germany’s successful campaigns. Kane has now matched these illustrious names while leading England deep into the knockout stages, cementing his legacy among the sport’s most lethal marksmen and most consistent performers.

With at least one more match guaranteed, Kane has the opportunity to climb further up the rankings before the tournament concludes. Each additional goal would see him overtake another legend of the game and strengthen his claim to being among the greatest tournament strikers of all time.

Norway challenge looms

England will face Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday. Kane will have the chance to surpass Müller and close the gap on Ronaldo when the sides meet. The striker’s current form suggests he could yet challenge for the Golden Boot while rewriting England’s World Cup history books. A deep run in the tournament could see him challenge even the highest totals on the all-time chart, potentially setting a new benchmark for future generations of English strikers.