NEW YORK — Will Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final mark the coronation of Lionel Messi-era Argentina as the best national team of all time? Or will Spain’s next-greatest generation take a huge step toward claiming that title for itself? It’s a dream finale between two iconic soccer powers. With Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni leading…
Twenty-six years ago, when a 13-year-old Lionel Messi left his beloved Rosario and arrived in Barcelona for his trial to join La Masia academy, with the hopes of sealing a move that could change his life, no one could predict the impact of that moment. Not only did it eternally change Messi’s life or the footballing…
If your first thought when seeing the now-viral photo of Lionel Messi bathing Lamine Yamal as an infant is how unbelievable it is that the two will be playing against each other in Sunday’s World Cup final, you’re not alone; Messi shares the sentiment. “That picture with Lamine, now we are facing in a final…
Jude Bellingham urged England fans to maintain their unity after the Three Lions suffered a devastating 2-1 defeat against Argentina in the World Cup semifinals. The 23-year-old midfielder admitted he struggled to find the words to process the heartbreak before sharing an uplifting poem given to him by the team’s driver, Michael Chandler. Bellingham Processes…
If Argentina’s run to the final can be described with one fact, it’s this one— La Albiceleste has not led going into the 90th minute in any of its knockout stage matches. With two comeback wins and two extra-time victories, Argentina’s run to the World Cup final has been unlike anything seen before. Four of…
As a soccer oddsmaker — and an English one at that — Mark Bickerdike knows it’s never over ‘til it’s over. But Bickerdike and his Caesars Sports trading team remain stunned that it’s Spain vs. Argentina odds on the board for the World Cup final, rather than Spain vs. England. “We were just about ready…
Lionel Messi’s 2026 World Cup has been historic, and his eight goals and four assists only scratch the surface. Aside from the goal contributions, Messi has been dominant in several ways— through balls, take-ons, possessions won, and several other advanced metrics. It’s absolutely incredible just how versatile the 39-year-old has been through seven games of…
On the same day that U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson told me and a handful of other national reporters that the federation remains in “active discussions” to bring Mauricio Pochettino back as the U.S. men’s national team coach, Pochettino said Thursday his decision on whether he’ll stay coaching the Americans or move on is just…
The 2026 FIFA World Cup winners will be receiving championship rings for the first time in the tournament’s history. FIFA announced on Friday that the iconic American sports tradition of championship rings will be carried over to the World Cup final on Sunday. This will be in addition to the World Cup trophy and traditional…
Spain takes on defending champions Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. Lionel Messi looks to lead the Albiceleste to a second straight title while Lamine Yamal and La Roja eye Spain’s first title since 2010. Ahead of Sunday’s game, here is what the weather forecast…
