Messi Leads Argentina Against Cape Verde in Miami Homecoming
Lionel Messi will captain Argentina against Cape Verde at Hard Rock Stadium, giving Miami supporters a rare chance to see their adopted hero represent his country on home soil.
Lionel Messi
Cape Verde exit World Cup after heroic 3-2 thriller against Argentina
The Blue Sharks became the smallest nation ever to contest a World Cup knockout match, pushing defending champions Argentina to the limit before a 3-2 defeat in Miami.
World Cup star power debate highlights changing face of international football
A discussion regarding the perceived decline in global superstars at the current World Cup has drawn comparisons between Brazil’s current squad and their legendary 2002 generation, while highlighting ongoing reliance upon veteran players.
Lopes Cabral: From 1% odds to facing Messi with Cape Verde
Cape Verde defender Sidny Lopes Cabral says the island nation will not be overawed by Lionel Messi when they face Argentina, having already defied predictions to reach the World Cup knockout phase unbeaten.
Messi headlines list of World Cup top scorers denied Golden Boot glory
Lionel Messi scored seven goals at the 2022 World Cup but still missed the Golden Boot, joining an exclusive club of prolific strikers who finished as runners-up in the race for the golden shoe.
Shaun Botterill: 40 years of World Cup photography and the viral Messi shot
Legendary photographer Shaun Botterill has captured football’s biggest moments for four decades, from developing film in stadium toilets to taking the Lionel Messi photograph that became Instagram’s most-liked post.
World Cup goal glut masks visa chaos and ticketing disputes
The tournament has produced a record 2.99 goals per game and stellar performances from Lionel Messi, yet immigration barriers and exploitative pricing have left fans and journalists stranded.
Capello hails Lautaro Martinez as Messi’s ‘ideal sidekick’ at World Cup
Fabio Capello has praised Lautaro Martinez for adapting his game to support Lionel Messi at the 2026 World Cup, describing the Inter striker as playing “more of a Robin than a Batman.”
Giovanni Malagò elected FIGC president as Conte and Maldini linked with Italy roles
Giovanni Malagò has been elected president of the Italian Football Federation, with Antonio Conte and Paolo Maldini linked to key roles in a planned rebuild of the national team.
Messi becomes World Cup’s all-time top scorer as France beat Iraq
Lionel Messi has become the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer after netting all five of Argentina’s goals in the tournament so far. France overcame severe weather delays to beat Iraq 3-0 in Philadelphia as the group stage intensifies.