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Lionel Messi

Culture news

Messi mania grips Oviedo ahead of Princess of Asturias award ceremony

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Sport

Lionel Messi mulls football retirement after father's death

The Argentinian footballer has published an open letter bidding farewell to his father and agent Jorge Messi, who died on 8 August in Rosario after a long illness. In it, the Argentina captain admits he is unsure whether he will carry on playing.

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Messi says farewell to his father in hometown Rosario

Lionel Messi attended a private funeral for his father and longtime agent Jorge Messi at El Prado cemetery in Rosario on Sunday, days after his death at the age of 68.

Europe Today

'No self-criticism' over Argentina's World Cup final behaviour, expert says

Journalist Michael Reid says Argentinians "assume" opponents will resort to "dirty tricks" and have a "hidden agenda", which helps explain their behaviour on the pitch. Reid also believes FIFA will not impose "any severe sanctions" over the incidents during the World Cup final or the Malvinas banner

Sport

Messi's mysterious pre-final video fuels speculation

Messi’s team talk before the 2026 World Cup final sparked theories online. Journalist Eduardo Feinmann relayed claims that Messi’s call to 'forget everything' was linked to rumours circulating before the match, although this has not been confirmed.

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The Cube

World Cup's biggest viral fakes, AI videos and false quotes

From fake clips of Norway's Erling Haaland to fabricated images used to allege that Argentina rigged the tournament, misinformation spread alongside some of the 2026 World Cup’s biggest matches.

Sport

Spain prepares to welcome its World Cup heroes with victory parade

A tense final in New Jersey was finally settled after extra time as Spain ended Argentina's reign as world champions and lifted the trophy for the second time.

Sport

'That's crazy': Messi reflects on iconic photo with baby Lamine Yamal

Lionel Messi described the viral photo of himself holding baby Lamine Yamal as "crazy" ahead of their World Cup final meeting. Messi praised the Spain star as one of the world's best but said Argentina would do everything possible to stop him.

Sport

When Messi met Yamal: The master and apprentice story of the World Cup

In 2007, at a UNICEF charity event, Messi bathed five‑month‑old Lamine Yamal in the Camp Nou dressing room. Nineteen years later they meet in the 2026 World Cup final: Spain v Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

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Buenos Aires erupts as Argentina reach World Cup final

Fans flooded the streets of Buenos Aires in celebration after Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1.

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Argentina fans erupt as Messi's men reach World Cup semifinal

Argentina fans celebrate in Buenos Aires after a dramatic 3-1 extra-time win over ten-man Switzerland sends the defending champions into the World Cup semifinals.

Sport

Argentina heads into World Cup quarterfinals against Switzerland

Trailing 2-0 against Egypt with 11 minutes of regular time to play on Tuesday, the defending champions rallied for an improbable 3-2 victory and a spot in the quarterfinals against Switzerland, which defeated Colombia in a penalty shootout.

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Argentina fans sing and dance after dramatic World Cup comeback against Egypt

Argentina fans erupted in celebration after the defending champions came from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2 and reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

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Giant Messi statue honors Argentina's World Cup hero

A giant mural near Buenos Aires and a towering statue in Patagonia highlight Lionel Messi's enduring status as a symbol of unity and pride for Argentines during the World Cup.

Sport

Messi smashes World Cup goalscoring record with 18 goals for Argentina

Messi has become the highest-scoring player in World Cup history with 18 goals. He now has two more than the previous record holder, former Germany striker Miroslav Klose.

Health news

Messi family pleads for ‘humanity’ as his father faces health issues

The family of Argentina national football team captain Lionel Messi has issued a public statement confirming that his father, Jorge Messi, “is going through a health situation,” amid rumors about Jorge Messi's health. The family asked for “responsibility, prudence and humanity.”

USA

Messi hat-trick fuels Argentina's World Cup title hopes

Fans in Buenos Aires celebrated as Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to lead defending champions Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their World Cup opener.