The departure of Lionel Messi and his Argentina side from the World Cup on Saturday following a 4-3 defeat against France was perhaps something that the Albiceleste fans had not seen coming or refused to accept.

Argentina's World Cup exit at the hands of France has been lamented by Diego Maradona, who believes too much pressure was put on Lionel Messi.

Brazil will look to start from where they had left off against Serbia when they take on a feisty Mexico in a World Cup round of 16 fixture at the Samara Arena today.

Cristiano Ronaldo saw his World Cup dreams slip away once again on Saturday but gave no hint as to whether he plans to continue playing for Portugal.

It was a Black Saturday that saw the fall of the two most glittering stars of world football.

Hosts Russia beat Spain 4-3 on penalties on Sunday to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals where they will face either Denmark or Croatia.

Argentina football legend Diego Maradona has been a constant presence during the World Cup matches of the freshly eliminated two-time world champions in Russia. After La Albiceleste won the first-round match against Nigeria to ensure their passage to the round of 16, a red-faced Maradona was shouting abuse at the Nigerian fans.

It was an amazing scene at the Samara Arena's make-shift press centre moments after Russia won their round of 16 World Cup match against Spain on penalties. The whole facility erupted, with a few Russian journalists running for joy and volunteers embarking on emotional hug.

France players and the world's press hailed Kylian Mbappe as an emerging superstar after the 19-year-old eclipsed Lionel Messi in a match that felt like the passing of a torch to a new generation.

Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev said Russia's game plan had been to hold on for a penalty shootout after the host nation beat Spain on spot-kicks Sunday to reach the World Cup quarterfinals.

30th June 1998: Argentina can't handle the pace of a teenage forward in a World Cup.

Colombia striker James Rodriguez has "minor bruising" in a calf muscle but no decision has been taken on whether he will play against England in the World Cup last 16, the team said late Saturday.

England captain Harry Kane believes he can score every time he sets foot on the pitch in Russia after netting five goals in his first two World Cup appearances.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were the leading attractions at the World Cup, but now that they have been sent packing, Belgian Eden Hazard believes it might be his time to shine on the biggest stage.

Dries Mertens has warned Belgium against the perils of complacency as they prepare to face Japan here Monday with one eye on a possible quarter-final showdown with Brazil.

Friday's World Cup quarterfinal against Uruguay will be like a family affair for France forward Antoine Griezmann, who in his 13 years in Spain has developed strong ties with the South American nation.

Marcelo appears set to start for Brazil against Mexico after taking part in training in Samara on Sunday.

Hosts Russia reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup by beating Spain 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Brazil may be hot favourites to beat Mexico and advance to the World Cup quarter-finals but midfielder Casemiro points to the already departed Germans as proof that, in football, favouritism counts for nothing.

Spain left Andres Iniesta out of their starting line-up for their World Cup second round tie against hosts Russia today at 8 pm in Bangladesh time.