
De La Fuente: Messi looks 19 or 23, exceptional level
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised Lionel Messi, saying he looks 19 or 23 years old and performs at an exceptional level, highlighting his tireless commitment and example for teammates.
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Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised Lionel Messi, saying he looks 19 or 23 years old and performs at an exceptional level, highlighting his tireless commitment and example for teammates.

Lionel Messi leads with 21 World Cup wins, followed by Kylian Mbappé and Miroslav Klose with 17 each. The list includes legends like Cafu, Ronaldo, and Beckenbauer, updated after matches on July 9, 2026.

Argentina continue their World Cup title defense against a resilient Switzerland side aiming for a first semi-final. The match in Kansas City pits Lionel Messi's record-breaking form against a Swiss team that has already achieved its best-ever tournament run.

Lionel Messi leads with eight goals, followed by Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland on seven, and Harry Kane on six. The race is unprecedented, with all four players approaching double-figure scoring, a feat achieved by only eight players in World Cup history.

Egypt has accused FIFA of bias favoring Argentina and Lionel Messi after their 3-2 loss. Allegations include refereeing errors and the appointment of an all-Argentine officiating team for France vs. Morocco. An analysis examines the claims.

Lionel Messi said he cried because he felt he let his teammates down after missing a penalty. He added that God had something special for him in the end, leaving him very happy.

Lionel Messi said his team did not want or deserve to go home and that they could not let it end like that. He emphasized the group deserved to keep going and that they never give up.

Argentina were minutes from a shock World Cup exit against Egypt, but Lionel Messi transformed the game with a brilliant performance, turning a potential upset into a legendary 3-2 victory. The match was marked by controversy, with Egypt feeling aggrieved by key decisions.

Lionel Messi missed his second penalty of the 2026 World Cup as Egypt's Mostafa Shobeir saved his effort in Atlanta.

Lionel Messi has missed his second penalty in a row at the World Cup, bringing his total missed penalties in the tournament to four.

Kristine Lilly and Lionel Messi are the only players in World Cup history to reach 30 appearances, across men's and women's tournaments.

Kylian Mbappé is one goal away from equaling Lionel Messi's record of 20 World Cup goals.

Lionel Messi said his team expected a tough match, noting it was no coincidence they hadn't lost to Spain or Uruguay. He emphasized that knockout matches are never given away for free.

Lisandro Martínez praised Lionel Messi as the greatest athlete in history, highlighting his perseverance through career setbacks. The defender urged younger players to emulate Messi's passion and dedication.

Lionel Messi thanked his team and teammates for their extra effort, saying it allows him to compete in another World Cup.

Lionel Messi said he is deeply grateful to his teammates and happy to compete alongside them, describing the group as beautiful and united.

Lionel Messi scored his 20th World Cup goal as Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 in Miami. The atmosphere was electric with fans celebrating the star, who now has seven goals in the tournament and continues to break records.

Argentina overcame a spirited Cabo Verde in extra time to reach the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt after the Pharaohs beat Australia on penalties. Cabo Verde twice came from behind before an own goal decided the match.

Lionel Messi scored Argentina's opening goal against Cape Verde in Miami, marking his eighth consecutive World Cup game with a goal. The finish was described as 'sensational.'

World Cup winner David Villa joins Football Daily to discuss Spain's 2-0 win over Austria, their World Cup prospects, playing with Lionel Messi, and the importance of Mikel Oyarzabal. The panel also analyzes Portugal's dramatic VAR-disallowed equalizer against Croatia.