New York, July 20 (IANS) Spanish midfield maestro Rodri has secured the Golden Ball, awarded to the FIFA World Cup Player of the Tournament, for his performances in the 2026 global showpiece. Spain – already reigning European champions – edged out Argentina in the World Cup final in extra time, with former City man Ferran Torres firing home the game’s only goal.Rodri was a steady presence in the centre of the park for La Roja in their eight matches, helping them win their second global crown.H…
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New York, July 18 (IANS) Lionel Scaloni paid tribute to Lionel Messi ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final, urging fans to cherish what will likely be the Argentina captain’s last appearance on football’s biggest stage.Argentina will bid to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cup trophies since Brazil in 1962 when it meets Spain in the title decider in New Jersey.”He is pure history. He is a legend,” Scaloni was quoted by Xinhua as saying. “For him to reach a final at 39 years of age is …
New Delhi, July 16 (IANS) Lionel Messi has hit back at critics alleging FIFA favouritism toward Argentina, asserting that reaching a second consecutive World Cup final proves his side is among the best in the world and that their success is “not by chance.”Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, with the help of two Messi assists, struck the late goals in a dramatic turnaround in Atlanta after Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute goal to take Argentina closer to retaining their world crown.Argentina’s jour…
Atlanta, July 16 (IANS) Argentina risks disciplinary action from FIFA after La Albiceleste players celebrated their FIFA World Cup semi-final win against England by holding a banner that supports their country’s claims to the Falkland Islands. After the holders Argentina staged a stunning late fightback with two late goals to defeat England 2-1 and advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, Argentine players celebrated while holding a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, which translates…
Mumbai, July 14 (IANS) As Argentina and England prepare to renew one of football’s most celebrated rivalries in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, former England striker Robbie Fowler believes the contest extends far beyond the game itself, describing it as one of the sport’s defining fixtures. The reigning world champions will face Thomas Tuchel’s England for a place in the World Cup final, adding another chapter to a rivalry shaped by decades of unforgettable moments, from Diego Maradona’s ‘…
Atlanta, July 14 (IANS) England and Argentina will renew one of the World Cup’s most enduring rivalries when they meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal, more than two decades after their last encounter. The teams have crossed paths five times in the tournament, producing three England victories and two Argentina wins, including one on penalties. Yet the rivalry has never been defined by numbers alone.Although they first met at the World Cup in 1962, when England won 3-1 in the group stage, t…
Kansas City, July 12 (IANS) Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni played down the historical rivalry with England ahead of their blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal, insisting that the highly anticipated encounter is ‘just a football match’ and should not be turned into something more. The defending champions booked their place in the last four after a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in the quarterfinals. Argentina struggled for long periods before eventually finding a wa…
New Delhi, June 12 (IANS) The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup began in spectacular fashion on Thursday night as Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca hosted a dazzling opening ceremony that blended football, music, and history on a memorable night.Spanish actress Salma Hayek and FIFA president Gianni Infantino have declared the tournament open and placed the trophy inside the Mexico City stadium.With thousands of fans packing the legendary venue, FIFA President Gianni Infantino officially declared t…
Buenos Aires, June 5 (IANS) Former Argentina winger Maxi Rodriguez believes Lionel Messi remains driven by the same hunger and determination that helped him become one of football’s greatest players, saying the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is still motivated by the dream of winning another FIFA World Cup.Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, is again leading the defending champions at the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will commence on June 11.“Messi is fuelled b…
Riyadh, Dec 23 (IANS) David Neres scored twice as Napoli beat Bologna 2-0 to win the Italian Super Cup.It is the third Super Cup title in the club’s history, with Antonio Conte restoring the Scudetto-Super Cup double, following in the footsteps of the 1990 side Napoli under Alberto Bigon featuring Diego Maradona.Napoli broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when Neres controlled a throw-in outside the area and curled a shot into the top corner.The Partenopei doubled their lead around the hour m…