Argentina success moves me to tears, says goalkeeper Martinez

Sat, 18 Jul, 2026

Argentina success moves me to tears, says goalkeeper Martinez

New York: Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said on Friday that thinking about his team's success in recent years sometimes brings him to tears as they attempt to retain the FIFA World Cup trophy in the final against Spain.

Argentina won the FIFA World Cup in 2022 by beating France on penalties in the final. They also won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024 and beat Italy in the 2022 Finalissima, a fixture between the South American and European champions.

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Preview - 3rd Place Playoff: France v England

Sun, 19 Jul, 2026

Preview - 3rd Place Playoff: France v England

Miami Gardens: France and England will bid a gloomy farewell to the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Saturday when they face each other in the dreaded third-place playoff in Miami.

Both teams head to Florida still raw from semi-final defeats that have left both footballing nations licking wounds, which, in the eyes of many, were largely self-inflicted.

France, the tournament's outstanding team enroute to the last four, were anonymous in the face of a tactical masterclass by Spain on Tuesday and slumped to a 2-0 defeat.

England added another chapter to their long history of FIFA World Cup heartache on Wednesday when they surrendered the initiative and a lead to lose 2-1 to Argentina in Atlanta.

Master and apprentice as Spain, Argentina coaches meet in final

Fri, 17 Jul, 2026

Master and apprentice as Spain, Argentina coaches meet in final

East Rutherford: Master will take on apprentice when Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente lines up against his former student, Argentina's Lionel Scaloni, in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday.

Nine years ago, Scaloni was just another former professional player pursuing a career in coaching, studying for his pro license at the Spanish football federation's training centre in Las Rozas, on the outskirts of Madrid.

His teacher on the course? De la Fuente.

Maestro Messi not done yet

Fri, 17 Jul, 2026

Maestro Messi not done yet

Atlanta: Lionel Messi has already won the FIFA World Cup, but the Argentina captain added another chapter to his astonishing career on Wednesday, inspiring his team to victory in their semi-final against England.

The defending champions were up against it, trailing to Anthony Gordon's goal until the 85th minute in Atlanta before Messi worked his magic.

This time the tournament's all-time leading marksman did not score. But he teed up Enzo Fernandez for the equaliser and delivered the cross for Lautaro Martinez to head in the winner, sealing a 2-1 victory.

Messi: It is a special win

Thu, 16 Jul, 2026

Messi: It is a special win

Atlanta: Lionel Messi hailed a "special" win after Argentina beat England to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with the veteran at the heart of a come-from-behind 2-1 victory on Wednesday.

After Anthony Gordon gave England the lead, 39-year-old Messi provided the pass for Enzo Fernandez to smash in an 85th-minute equaliser and then also the cross for Lautaro Martinez to head in the winner in Atlanta.

Kane gutted after England crash out

Thu, 16 Jul, 2026

Kane gutted after England crash out

Atlanta: Harry Kane said he was "gutted" for England and their fans after his team were beaten 2-1 by defending champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals on Wednesday.

Anthony Gordon's strike had put the Three Lions on the cusp of a first final since they lifted the 1966 trophy but Lionel Messi inspired a dramatic turnaround in Atlanta.

He set up Enzo Fernandez, who blasted home from outside the area, and provided an inch-perfect cross for Lautaro Martinez's winner in stoppage time.