On July 11, 2021, Argentina ended a 28-year wait for a major international trophy by defeating Brazil 1-0 in the Copa America final at the Maracana Stadium.

The match between Argentina and Egypt sparked complaints from the Egyptian Football Association over the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), particularly the disallowing of a Mostafa Zico goal in the 62nd minute that would have doubled the North Africans' lead.

Messi has been instrumental in Argentina's World Cup campaign, scoring eight goals — level with France's Kylian Mbappe — and inspiring a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the round of 16.

Argentina and Lionel Messi face Murat Yakin's Switzerland in what promises to be a sterner test for the defending champions than any they have encountered so far in the tournament.

As the curtain fell on the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, here are the results of all 104 matches from the tournament, which concluded with Spain reclaiming the title for the first time since 2010 after a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

Before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, European heavyweights France and Spain were widely regarded as the leading contenders for the title, thanks to the remarkable depth and quality of their squads as well as their recent form.

"After the 2-0, I felt like I couldn't help anyone, and I don't like that feeling," Martinez told reporters. "I think my time will come. I need to help them a lot more. They're saving me in several games, and it's my turn to do it."

Lionel Messi once retired from international football after blasting a penalty into the American sky to lose a Copa America final 10 years ago.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni struggled to contain his emotions while Enzo Fernandez hailed his teammates after their side, inspired by captain Lionel Messi, produced a remarkable late comeback to beat Egypt 3-2 and book their place in the World Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday.

Until the 78th minute, Egypt looked firmly in control, holding a 2-0 lead over Argentina and seemingly cruising into the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals at the Atlanta Stadium on Tuesday.

Defy football history as Argentina aims to break the FIFA World Cup number one ranking curse in 2026. Lionel Messi and Scaloni lead the defending champions, inspiring diverse fan debates on squad grit and winning DNA.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni said sides should be given more rest in the final stages of the World Cup as the defending champions face a gruelling schedule in the knockout phases.

The inaugural Round of 32 in the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup delivered on every front. There were shocks and surprises, thrilling comebacks, heartbreaking exits and the fall of several giants.

The nerve-wracking Round of 32 of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 came to an end on Saturday morning with defending champions Argentina, Colombia and Egypt clinching the final three berths in the Round of 16.

Questions about Messi's longevity have long since been answered, but coach Lionel Scaloni's conundrum remains -- how long can Argentina go on letting one little genius solve their problems?

Before the 2026 World Cup got under way, few would have predicted a Round-of-32 meeting between defending champions Argentina and debutants Cape Verde. Yet after the group stage, it has become one of the tournament's most captivating ties.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni brushed aside suggestions that FIFA had favoured his side through refereeing decisions or the World Cup knockout draw, insisting he pays no attention to such speculation.

With Argentina beating Jordan 3-1 and Algeria and Austria playing out a dramatic 3-3 draw in the final Group J matches, the group stage of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 came to an end on Sunday.

Following a hectic 17-day schedule featuring 72 group-stage matches, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is finally entering its business end, as hosts Canada take on South Africa in the opening Round of 32 match at Los Angeles Stadium tonight. 

As football fans around the world celebrate Lionel Messi’s birthday today, actor Chanchal Chowdhury has joined the tributes in his own artistic way. A lifelong admirer of the Argentine footballer, the actor recently shared a hand-drawn portrait of Messi on social media, drawing praise from fans.