FIFA World Cup 2026

Messi said he has closely followed Yamal's progress because of the youngster's performances for Barcelona, a club the Argentine legend represented for nearly two decades.

France coach Didier Deschamps admitted his side does not want to play the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff against England in Miami on Saturday (local time) but stated it is their duty to win the bronze medal, as per Reuters.

The former German goalkeeper says the two stars are at vastly different stages of their careers, with Yamal viewing Messi as a role model rather than a rival

Set up title clash with Spain

The incident occurred in the opening minutes when Elliot Anderson brought down the Argentina captain while attempting to win possession

Designed by Silvio Gazzaniga in 1971, the 18-carat gold prize has symbolised football's greatest triumph for more than five decades

Former German footballer Thomas Muller expressed surprise over England's tactics after their 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semifinal, questioning the Three Lions' decision to sit back after taking the lead.

England led through Gordon's strike in the 55th minute and looked well placed to end their long wait for a World Cup final appearance. Instead, the final stages of the match were dominated by Argentina, who overturned the deficit with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to keep their title defence alive.

Scaloni calls his players stubborn warriors who never fear mistakes

In addition to adopting a more defensive posture, England's late substitutions were also defensive in nature

England's wait for a first major men's trophy since lifting the FIFA World Cup in 1966 continued after they suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat against defending champions Argentina in the semifinal in Atlanta on Wednesday (local time).

Argentina's Lisandro Martinez celebrated his side's thrilling comeback victory over England in the FIFA World Cup semifinal, thanking supporters after the reigning champions booked a place in a second successive World Cup final.

The result sent Argentina into the World Cup 2026 final, where they will face Spain on Sunday, July 19 (local time), while England's hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966 came to a heartbreaking end.

Argentina face Spain in the final on Sunday, July 19

England captain Harry Kane said it is too soon to decide whether the FIFA World Cup 2026 was his final appearance at football's biggest stage. Following England's heartbreaking 2-1 semifinal defeat to Argentina on Wednesday (local time), Kane stressed that he will continue to take his international future 'year by year' rather than looking too far ahead.

Argentina could face FIFA sanctions after midfielder Giovani Lo Celso celebrated the team's World Cup 2026 semifinal victory over England with a Falkland Islands banner, according to The Athletics.

La Roja shut down Mbappe and Co to advance to final with 2-0 victory

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has become the first player to record 10 assists in FIFA World Cup knockout matches, taking his overall World Cup assist tally to 12--the most by any player since records began in 1966, according to OptaJoe's X account. Messi achieved the milestone after providing two assists in Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal win over England.

Anthony Gordon had given England the lead, but Lionel Messi and Co. had other ideas

England manager Thomas Tuchel has insisted his side will focus on the present rather than the rich history surrounding clashes with Argentina as the Three Lions prepare for a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday

England defender Marc Guehi believes the pressure lies firmly on defending champions Argentina ahead of Wednesday's FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, while teammate Ezri Konsa urged the Three Lions to ignore the history surrounding one of football's fiercest rivalries.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni brushed aside criticism of his side's performances at the FIFA World Cup 2026, insisting the defending champions have earned their place in the semi-finals and are fully focused on overcoming England to reach another final

Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has already turned his attention to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final after helping La Roja defeat France 2-0 in the semi-finals, declaring on social media that the team is ready for the title clash in New York.

France captain Kylian Mbappe admitted his side fell well short of the standards required in a FIFA World Cup semi-final after a 2-0 defeat to Spain ended Les Bleus' hopes of reaching a third successive final

England head coach Thomas Tuchel hailed Lionel Messi as the driving force behind Argentina ahead of their FIFA World Cup semifinal, saying the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner remains the leader and key player for the defending champions.