FIFA World Cup 2026: “We have written history,” says Lionel Messi ahe…

New York [US], July 19 (ANI): Argentina captain Lionel Messi on Sunday paid an emotional tribute to his teammates, coaching staff and fans ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain, saying the team’s greatest achievement has been the journey they have shared rather than just the titles they have won. milkshakeslot.com

In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Messi reflected on his years with the Argentina national team, thanking everyone associated with the squad for helping build what he described as a family.

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“The most beautiful part of all these years was never just the titles, but the entire journey. Sharing the day-to-day with this group, competing together, lifting ourselves up in difficult moments, and enjoying every single step," Messi wrote.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaching staff and support personnel for their contributions to the team’s success.

“Thank you to each of my teammates, the coaching staff, and all the people who work every day so that this National Team continues to be a family," he said.

Ahead of the summit clash, Messi said the current Argentina squad had already secured its place in history regardless of the outcome of the final.

“Whatever happens tomorrow, this group has already written a history that we will never forget and that no one can ever erase. LET’S GO ARGENTINA," he added.

Argentina, the reigning FIFA World Cup champions, and Spain, winners of UEFA Euro 2024, will clash in New York/New Jersey for football’s ultimate prize.

The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will be played at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (local time).

Spain, the reigning European champions, are aiming for their first FIFA World Cup crown since 2010, while Lionel Messi’s Argentina seek back-to-back titles.

Defending champions Argentina secured a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over England in the semifinal, overturning a first-half deficit with Enzo Fernandez scoring the equaliser before Lautaro Martinez netted the stoppage-time winner to send the defending champions into the title clash against Spain.

The win over England sent Argentina into the World Cup 2026 final, while England’s hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966 came to a heartbreaking end.

Spain, on the other hand, secured a place in the FIFA World Cup final for the first time since their 2010 triumph after defeating France 2-0 with a composed performance.

Lamine Yamal played a key role in the win, winning a penalty after dispossessing Lucas Digne, which Mikel Oyarzabal converted in the 22nd minute to give Spain the lead. Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s advantage after the break following a fine move with Dani Olmo, while France struggled to create clear chances.

Yamal had a goal ruled out for offside, and despite late efforts from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni, Spain’s defence held firm to secure their sixth clean sheet in seven tournament matches. The victory booked Spain’s second-ever World Cup final appearance.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente anticipates the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday (local time) is going to be “a cracking match". Ahead of the final, Luis de la Fuente said the clash against Argentina is going to be a “cracking match", saying both teams share a similar footballing philosophy and are committed to playing an entertaining game where talent, quality and attacking football take centre stage.

“There are two top-class sides, two superb teams with many similarities – in their approach to the game and in the talent of their players – so I think it’s going to be a cracking match. I believe that, in terms of our approach, both Argentina and Spain – Spain and Argentina alike – are setting out to play a match where brilliance, talent and good football will prevail over any other factor," he said as quoted by Reuters.

On the other hand, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said that the team needs to “bring out its best version" to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain.

Ahead of the final, Lionel Scaloni said Argentina have prepared as they do for every match by studying their opponents and focusing on delivering their best performance.

He added that despite being a well-known team, Argentina have earned their place in the final on merit and will do everything possible to win the title.

“We prepare just like in every match, with a lot of desire for things to go well for us, with a willingness to analyse the opponent. We need to bring out our best version to try to win. I think we’re doing well, beyond things we can always improve. We’re a team that’s already well-known by our rivals, and that’s why it has double merit to have reached where we have. We’ll try to win the final," he said during the pre-match press conference.

Scaloni also praised Lionel Messi for reaching another FIFA World Cup final at the age of 39, calling his achievement incredible.

“Having been able to reach a final the way Leo has, at the moment he’s in, at 39 years old, is incredible. We have to value what he does and the story and the legend that he is and this group of players that have led us to wonderful years," he said. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

New York [US], July 19 (ANI): Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday recalled the iconic photograph of Lionel Messi bathing baby Lamine Yamal nearly two decades ago, calling it “football’s most famous blessing" as the two stars prepare to face each other on the game’s biggest stage.

In a post on X, Mamdani wrote, “Nineteen years ago, Lionel Messi bathed a baby named Lamine Yamal for a charity calendar. Some call it football’s most famous blessing. Others say it sounds like the plot of the perfect movie."

Referring to Sunday’s World Cup final at the NYNJ Stadium, he added, “Tomorrow, we find out how it ends at the NYNJ Stadium."

The New York City Mayor also invited football fans to tune in to the final edition of the “World Cup Morning Pitch," which will provide weather, traffic and transit updates ahead of kickoff.

“Before the final chapter is written, join us live for the last World Cup Morning Pitch for the weather, traffic, and transit updates you need before kickoff. The final Morning Pitch streams at 8:30 AM on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. See you there," he wrote.

Argentina, the reigning FIFA World Cup champions, and Spain, winners of UEFA Euro 2024, will clash in the New York New Jersey Stadium for football’s ultimate prize.

The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will be played at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (local time).

Spain, the reigning European champions, are aiming for their first FIFA World Cup crown since 2010, while Lionel Messi’s Argentina seek back-to-back titles.

Defending champions Argentina secured a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over England in the semifinal, overturning a first-half deficit with Enzo Fernandez scoring the equaliser before Lautaro Martinez netted the stoppage-time winner to send the defending champions into the title clash against Spain.

The win over England sent Argentina into the World Cup 2026 final, while England’s hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966 came to a heartbreaking end.

Spain, on the other hand, secured a place in the FIFA World Cup final for the first time since their 2010 triumph after defeating France 2-0 with a composed performance.

Lamine Yamal played a key role in the win, winning a penalty after dispossessing Lucas Digne, which Mikel Oyarzabal converted in the 22nd minute to give Spain the lead. Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s advantage after the break following a fine move with Dani Olmo, while France struggled to create clear chances.

Yamal had a goal ruled out for offside, and despite late efforts from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni, Spain’s defence held firm to secure their sixth clean sheet in seven tournament matches. The victory booked Spain’s second-ever World Cup final appearance.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente anticipates the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday (local time) is going to be “a cracking match". Ahead of the final, Luis de la Fuente said the clash against Argentina is going to be a “cracking match", saying both teams share a similar footballing philosophy and are committed to playing an entertaining game where talent, quality and attacking football take centre stage.

“There are two top-class sides, two superb teams with many similarities – in their approach to the game and in the talent of their players – so I think it’s going to be a cracking match. I believe that, in terms of our approach, both Argentina and Spain – Spain and Argentina alike – are setting out to play a match where brilliance, talent and good football will prevail over any other factor," he said as quoted by Reuters.

On the other hand, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said that the team needs to “bring out its best version" to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain.

Ahead of the final, Lionel Scaloni said Argentina have prepared as they do for every match by studying their opponents and focusing on delivering their best performance.

He added that despite being a well-known team, Argentina have earned their place in the final on merit and will do everything possible to win the title.

“We prepare just like in every match, with a lot of desire for things to go well for us, with a willingness to analyse the opponent. We need to bring out our best version to try to win. I think we’re doing well, beyond things we can always improve. We’re a team that’s already well-known by our rivals, and that’s why it has double merit to have reached where we have. We’ll try to win the final," he said during the pre-match press conference.

Scaloni also praised Lionel Messi for reaching another FIFA World Cup final at the age of 39, calling his achievement incredible.

“Having been able to reach a final the way Leo has, at the moment he’s in, at 39 years old, is incredible. We have to value what he does and the story and the legend that he is and this group of players that have led us to wonderful years," he said. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

શનિવારે મિયામીમાં ઇંગ્લેન્ડ સામે રમાયેલા ત્રીજા સ્થાનના પ્લેઓફ મુકાબલામાં એમ્બાપ્પેએ પોતાના વર્લ્ડ કપ કારકિર્દીના 21મા અને 22મા ગોલ નોંધાવ્યા હતા. આ સાથે તેઓ મેસી કરતાં આગળ નીકળી ગયા અને ટૂર્નામેન્ટના સર્વકાલીન મહાન ગોલસ્કોરરોમાં પોતાનું સ્થાન વધુ મજબૂત કર્યું.

મેચની શરૂઆત ફ્રાન્સ માટે અત્યંત નિરાશાજનક રહી

મેચની શરૂઆત ફ્રાન્સ માટે અત્યંત નિરાશાજનક રહી હતી. પ્રથમ હાફ પૂર્ણ થયો ત્યારે ફ્રાન્સ 4-0થી પાછળ હતું અને એવું લાગી રહ્યું હતું કે ઇંગ્લેન્ડ સરળતાથી બ્રોન્ઝ મેડલ જીતશે. પરંતુ બીજા હાફની શરૂઆતમાં જ એમ્બાપ્પેએ 48મી મિનિટે ગોલ કરીને ફ્રાન્સની વાપસીની આશા જીવંત રાખી. ત્યારબાદ બ્રેડલી બારકોલાએ વધુ એક ગોલ કરીને અંતર ઘટાડ્યું. 66મી મિનિટે ફ્રાન્સના કેપ્ટન એમ્બાપ્પેએ પોતાનો બીજો ગોલ નોંધાવી ઇંગ્લેન્ડની ડિફેન્સ પર દબાણ વધાર્યું. જોકે અંતે ફ્રાન્સને 6-4થી પરાજય સ્વીકારવો પડ્યો.

લિઓનલ મેસીએ શરૂઆતથી જ શાનદાર પ્રદર્શન કર્યું

આ ટૂર્નામેન્ટમાં લિઓનલ મેસીએ શરૂઆતથી જ શાનદાર પ્રદર્શન કર્યું હતું. પ્રથમ મેચમાં હેટ્રિક ફટકાર્યા બાદ તેમણે ઓસ્ટ્રિયા સામે બે ગોલ કરીને જર્મનીના દિગ્ગજ મિરોસ્લાવ ક્લોઝેનો જૂનો રેકોર્ડ તોડી નાખ્યો હતો. ત્યારબાદ મેસીએ જોર્ડન, કેપ વર્ડે અને ઇજિપ્ત સામે પણ ગોલ નોંધાવ્યા હતા. પરંતુ એમ્બાપ્પેના આ બે ગોલે મેસીને ફરી એકવાર પાછળ ધકેલી દીધા.

એમ્બાપ્પે હવે ગોલ્ડન બૂટની રેસમાં પણ મેસી કરતાં આગળ

એમ્બાપ્પે હવે ગોલ્ડન બૂટની રેસમાં પણ મેસી કરતાં આગળ છે. ઉત્તર અમેરિકામાં ચાલી રહેલા વર્લ્ડ કપમાં એમ્બાપ્પેએ અત્યાર સુધી 10 ગોલ કર્યા છે, જ્યારે મેસીના નામે 8 ગોલ છે. ગોલ્ડન બૂટ માટેની આ હરીફાઈ હવે ટૂર્નામેન્ટના અંતિમ મુકાબલા સુધી વધુ રસપ્રદ બની ગઈ છે.

2018ના વર્લ્ડ કપમાં એમ્બાપ્પેએ દુનિયાભરમાં ધૂમ મચાવી હતી

2018ના વર્લ્ડ કપમાં એમ્બાપ્પેએ દુનિયાભરમાં ધૂમ મચાવી હતી. તેમણે ચાર ગોલ કરીને ફ્રાન્સને વિશ્વ ચેમ્પિયન બનાવવામાં મહત્વપૂર્ણ ભૂમિકા ભજવી હતી અને ‘યંગ પ્લેયર ઓફ ધ ટૂર્નામેન્ટ’નો એવોર્ડ જીત્યો હતો. ચાર વર્ષ પછી 2022ના ફાઇનલમાં તેમણે હેટ્રિક પણ નોંધાવી હતી, પરંતુ તે છતાં ફ્રાન્સને ચેમ્પિયન બનાવી શક્યા નહોતા અને મેસીની આગેવાનીમાં આર્જેન્ટિનાએ ટ્રોફી જીતી હતી.

મેસીના આંતરરાષ્ટ્રીય કારકિર્દીના શરૂઆતના વર્ષો સંઘર્ષભર્યા રહ્યા

મેસીના આંતરરાષ્ટ્રીય કારકિર્દીના શરૂઆતના વર્ષો સંઘર્ષભર્યા રહ્યા હતા. બાર્સેલોનામાં જેવો જાદુઈ ફોર્મ હતો તેવો પ્રભાવ તેઓ લાંબા સમય સુધી આર્જેન્ટિના માટે બતાવી શક્યા નહોતા. 2014માં જર્મની સામે ફાઇનલ હાર્યા બાદ આખરે 2022માં કતારમાં વર્લ્ડ કપ જીતવાનો તેમનો સપનો સાકાર થયો.

મેસી પાસે ફરી એકવાર ઇતિહાસ રચવાની તક

હવે 39 વર્ષની ઉંમરે પોતાનો છઠ્ઠો વર્લ્ડ કપ રમતા મેસી પાસે ફરી એકવાર ઇતિહાસ રચવાની તક છે. રવિવારે સ્પેન સામે રમાનાર ફાઇનલમાં તેઓ આર્જેન્ટિનાની કેપ્ટનશિપ કરશે અને એમ્બાપ્પે પાસેથી ગોલનો રેકોર્ડ પાછો મેળવવાનો પ્રયાસ કરશે. ફૂટબોલ ચાહકો માટે આ મુકાબલો ઐતિહાસિક બનવાની સંપૂર્ણ શક્યતા છે.

Miami [US], July 19 (ANI): France’s outgoing coach Didier Deschamps minced no words and said they played a “disgraceful first-half" after his side suffered to a 6-4 loss to England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 bronze medal match in Miami on Saturday (local time).

England clinched the bronze medal after a thrilling, record-breaking 10-goal encounter at Miami Stadium, with the defeat marking a disappointing end to Deschamps’ 14-year tenure as France manager.

England took absolute control of the first half, leaving Les Bleus shell-shocked with an unprecedented 4-0 lead before the interval. Declan Rice opened the scoring just three minutes into the game, before defender Ezri Konsa doubled the advantage in the 18th minute. Bukayo Saka then took centre stage, netting twice in quick succession (37′, 45+1′) to mark the first time France has ever conceded four goals in a single half of World Cup football.

After the match, Deschamps admitted France’s first-half performance was “disgraceful" but praised the team’s fightback. He took responsibility for the defeat, saying they showed character after the break and had chances to level the game, though he regretted not finishing third.

“It’s a loss. We were down 4-0; we played a disgraceful first-half. We did show some fight, though, and there were things we did well. We had two chances to tie it up at 4-4, and after that, we pushed forward a little more… We did what we know how to do. It’s my fault; I must not have done what was needed in the first half… At least it looked like something, even if the loss hurts. Obviously, it would have been better to finish third," Deschamps said as quoted by the FIFA website.

France staged a stunning second-half comeback after trailing 4-0, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice and Bradley Barcola adding another to make it 4-3. Mbappe’s brace also saw him overtake Lionel Messi as the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 22 goals. However, England regained control when Bukayo Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute. Ousmane Dembele scored late for France, but Jude Bellingham sealed England’s 6-4 victory in stoppage time.

Deschamps said France had a talented squad capable of achieving more and praised the team’s journey despite the disappointment. He highlighted the positive moments, the emotions shared with millions of French fans, and called his time with the team a wonderful experience.

“We came here with a lot of ambition. We managed to do quite a few positive things. We fell short in our match against Spain. It’s not all a total loss. We have a quality squad, young players who will continue to move up the ranks. We had the talent to keep achieving very good results. On a personal level, it’s been a truly wonderful journey with them. We spent eight weeks together since the start of our preparations. It was wonderful. The disappointment lies in the sporting aspect, but we had the opportunity to stir up emotions, and millions of French people were able to experience those emotions. It’s the World Cup–there’s nothing more beautiful than that," he said.

The loss marked the end of a brilliant 14-year journey of Deschamps as France manager. He took charge of France in 2012, guided the team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title and another final in 2022 before their 2026 campaign ended with a semi-final loss to Spain. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Madrid [Spain], July 19 (ANI): Spanish Tennis legend Rafael Nadal extended his best wishes to Spain ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina, recalling the unforgettable memories of the country’s 2010 World Cup triumph and expressing his lifelong love for football.

In a post on X, Nadal said football has always been one of his greatest passions and that he has enjoyed playing the sport, watching matches, and supporting Spain’s national team since childhood.

“Ever since I was little, soccer has been one of my great passions. I’ve always enjoyed playing, watching matches, and supporting our national team. I can still remember the thrill of living in South Africa for the 2010 final. We’ll never forget it!" Nadal wrote.

Looking ahead to Spain’s clash against Argentina, Nadal described it as another historic occasion while expressing admiration for the South American nation.

“Tomorrow we have another chance to enjoy one of those matches that make history against a national team and a country that I respect and admire greatly. Best of luck. Let’s go, Spain!" he added.

Argentina, the reigning FIFA World Cup champions, and Spain, winners of UEFA Euro 2024, will clash in New York/New Jersey for football’s ultimate prize.

The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will be played at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (local time).

Spain, the reigning European champions, are aiming for their first FIFA World Cup crown since 2010, while Lionel Messi’s Argentina seek back-to-back titles.

Defending champions Argentina secured a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over England in the semifinal, overturning a first-half deficit with Enzo Fernandez scoring the equaliser before Lautaro Martinez netted the stoppage-time winner to send the defending champions into the title clash against Spain.

The win over England sent Argentina into the World Cup 2026 final, while England’s hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966 came to a heartbreaking end.

Spain, on the other hand, secured a place in the FIFA World Cup final for the first time since their 2010 triumph after defeating France 2-0 with a composed performance.

Lamine Yamal played a key role in the win, winning a penalty after dispossessing Lucas Digne, which Mikel Oyarzabal converted in the 22nd minute to give Spain the lead. Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s advantage after the break following a fine move with Dani Olmo, while France struggled to create clear chances.

Yamal had a goal ruled out for offside, and despite late efforts from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni, Spain’s defence held firm to secure their sixth clean sheet in seven tournament matches. The victory booked Spain’s second-ever World Cup final appearance.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente anticipates the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday (local time) is going to be “a cracking match". Ahead of the final, Luis de la Fuente said the clash against Argentina is going to be a “cracking match", saying both teams share a similar footballing philosophy and are committed to playing an entertaining game where talent, quality and attacking football take centre stage.

“There are two top-class sides, two superb teams with many similarities – in their approach to the game and in the talent of their players – so I think it’s going to be a cracking match. I believe that, in terms of our approach, both Argentina and Spain – Spain and Argentina alike – are setting out to play a match where brilliance, talent and good football will prevail over any other factor," he said as quoted by Reuters.

On the other hand, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said that the team needs to “bring out its best version" to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain.

Ahead of the final, Lionel Scaloni said Argentina have prepared as they do for every match by studying their opponents and focusing on delivering their best performance.

He added that despite being a well-known team, Argentina have earned their place in the final on merit and will do everything possible to win the title.

“We prepare just like in every match, with a lot of desire for things to go well for us, with a willingness to analyse the opponent. We need to bring out our best version to try to win. I think we’re doing well, beyond things we can always improve. We’re a team that’s already well-known by our rivals, and that’s why it has double merit to have reached where we have. We’ll try to win the final," he said during the pre-match press conference.

Scaloni also praised Lionel Messi for reaching another FIFA World Cup final at the age of 39, calling his achievement incredible.

“Having been able to reach a final the way Leo has, at the moment he’s in, at 39 years old, is incredible. We have to value what he does and the story and the legend that he is and this group of players that have led us to wonderful years," he said. (ANI)

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