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Lionel Scaloni hailed Lionel Messi as the greatest player in football history after Argentina reached the World Cup final. The Argentina boss urged supporters to cherish the 39-year-old's remarkable career as the reigning world champions prepare to face Spain in Sunday's showpiece.

And so the wait goes on. England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina on Wednesday means their quest for a first international trophy since 1966 will stretch into a seventh decade. The hope is that drought will come to an end in two years' time when the Three Lions co-host the 2028 European Championship, but will England ever again reach a World Cup final, never mind lift the most famous trophy in the sport?

Lamine Yamal has always looked up to Lionel Messi. The Barcelona legend was - and remains - his one and only idol. "I never had another," Yamal admitted to Tuttosport. "I once took a photo with him. I was unknown." He wasn't just unknown, though; he was still only a baby, just a few weeks old when he and his mother partook in a 2007 photoshoot organised by SPORT for a charity calendar.

Argentina president Javier Milei has confirmed he will not travel to the MetLife Stadium for the World Cup final against Spain. The controversial leader explained that his shocking absence from the showpiece event in New York is entirely down to deep-rooted football superstition, having watched the previous seven victories from his home.

Romelu Lukaku could be heading for a fresh challenge, with Major League Soccer (MLS) emerging as a serious option alongside interest from Ajax, Monaco and Fenerbahce. Napoli are expected to part ways with the Belgian striker as they look to reduce their wage bill, although any move will depend on clubs meeting the financial demands of a permanent transfer.

NEW YORK -- In a fun meeting between the NFL’s greatest player of all time and arguably soccer’s, Tom Brady asked Lionel Messi about the picture that has followed this World Cup final since the matchup was set: the Argentina icon bathing Lamine Yamal as a baby. Brady described the image as “very prophetic,” with Yamal now playing in his first World Cup and Messi potentially preparing for his last.

Major League Soccer’s search for Don Garber’s eventual successor is reportedly down to three candidates, with Los Angeles FC co-owner Larry Berg, 49ers Enterprises president Paraag Marathe and former Fox executive David Nathanson emerging as finalists. Garber, who has served as commissioner since 1999, remains under contract through 2027.

Mauricio Pochettino says he expects to make a decision on his future as head coach of the U.S. Men's National Team next week. Pochettino and U.S. Soccer have held talks over a potential extension that would keep the Argentinian manager on board following the expiration of his contract after this World Cup.

La Roja stopped France from registering a single shot on target until the 64th minute of their semi-final victory. Do defences win World Cups?

The Golden Glove is awarded to the best goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup, and with just two teams left standing, the picture is as clear as could be.

We list the favourites to finish with the most assists, as well as some outside picks, along with a practical betting strategy.

Questions continue to be asked of what the future holds for Jack Grealish, but Joleon Lescott has told GOAL that “no conversations” have taken place regarding a move to MLS. For now, the Manchester City-owned forward is looking to enjoy a fresh start at the Etihad Stadium or build on a productive loan spell with Everton - as a permanent transfer could still be agreed there.

Kylian Mbappe is considered to be out of the running for Ballon d’Or recognition in 2026, with Jeremie Aliadiere conceding to GOAL that World Cup heartache with France is likely to have dashed those dreams. Les Bleus’ all-time leading goalscorer has never got his hands on the Golden Ball, and will need to wait another 12 months before staking another claim to the most prestigious of individual honours.

Pep Guardiola has revealed he is currently experiencing no desire to return to football management following his departure from Manchester City. The 55-year-old Catalan tactician explained that he is focusing on personal reflection and family life after spending nearly two decades under the intense pressure of elite-level coaching.

Twente youngster Ruud Nijstad has admitted his long-term ambition is to play alongside Pau Cubarsi at Barcelona after being impressed by the Spain international's display against Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the highly rated Dutch defender insists his immediate focus remains on continuing his development with the Eredivisie club.

Argentina’s comeback against England demonstrated the belief surrounding Lionel Messi. Now Spain stand between the holders and a historic second straight World Cup title.

John Barnes has defended Thomas Tuchel's tactical decisions in England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, insisting the German coach made the correct substitutions. The former Liverpool midfielder believes criticism of Tuchel ignores England's standing in world football and the realities of tournament football.