News of sports

Argentina's skipper Lionel Messi hugs his sons ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Argentina and Venezuela at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on September 4, 2025.

Messi bags a brace, enjoys last World Cup qualifier to fullest

Today 00:22 On a night of tears, standing ovations and plenty of joy, in his final South American qualifier, Argentina’s No. 10 Lionel Messi bags two in a 3-0 victory over Venezuela.

A fan of Universidad de Chile bleeds while being hit by fans of Independiente during the interruption of the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 second leg football match between Argentina's Independiente and Chile's Universidad de Chile at the Libertadores de America stadium in Avellaneda, Buenos Aires province, Argentina, on August 20, 2025.

Football violence

Independiente disqualified from Copa Sudamericana over stadium brawl

Yesterday 21:43 Argentine side must also play its next 14 matches in CONMEBOL tournaments without its fans and pay a US$250,000 fine.

Kids play at a sports club in Buenos Aires.

SPORT CLUBS

Milei's 'chainsaw' austerity slashes through sports clubs

01-09-2025 17:33 National club survey consulting 325 institutions from all of Argentina's provinces highlights the paradox affecting Argentine sport: more social demand and fewer resources. Táctica’s research shows four out of ten clubs are worse off than in 2023.

An anti-government protester holds a banner against Argentina's President Javier Milei next to supporters of the ruling La Libertad Avanza party as she protests during a motorcade led by Milei in Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires Province, on August 27, 2025

THE WEEK IN REIVEW

Stories that caught our eye: August 22 to 29

29-08-2025 17:06 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

FOOTBALL IN ARGENTINA

Violence has no place in football, but clubs have responsibility

28-08-2025 13:42 The disgraceful scenes during and after Independiente's aborted Copa Sudamericana clash against Universidad de Chile have brought both clubs and football in South America into severe disrepute.

by Dan Edwards

Argentina celebrate winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Chainsaw hits football

Fútbol para pocos: Milei decides 2026 World Cup won’t be on public TV

27-08-2025 13:45 For the first time in 52 years, Argentina’s government has confirmed that it will not be buying the broadcasting rights to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada and broadcasting it free-to-air. The move – which saves an estimated US$7 million – forms part of austerity for state media.

Argentina's Los Pumas lock Pedro Rubiolo celebrates with a teammate after winning the Rugby Championship 2025 match between Argentina and New Zealand at the José Amalfitani Stadium in Buenos Aires on August 23, 2025.

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY

Pumas stun All Blacks with historic 29-23 upset win

23-08-2025 21:00 Pumas upset All Blacks with bruising 29-23 victory; Maiden win over New Zealand on home soil in 16 attempts for Argentina.

Chile's Interior and Public Security Minister Álvaro Elizalde gives a press conference at the Pedro Fiorito public hospital in Avellaneda, Buenos Aires province, on August 22, 2025, after visiting Universidad de Chile fans hospitalized following the abandonment of a Copa Sudamericana match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile due to sustained crowd violence. Chile's President Gabriel Boric said on Friday that 104 Universidad de Chile fans detained in Argentina after clashes during the Copa Sudamericana match against Independiente had been released.

Hooligan violence

Detained Chileans freed two days after football fan brawl in Argentina

22-08-2025 17:24 Authorities releases 104 Chileans detained following a bloody brawl that erupted during Copa Sudamericana match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile.

Carlos Alberto ‘Charly’ García, 73, was awarded a doctorate Honoris Causa by the University of Buenos Aires (UBA)

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Stories that caught our eye: August 15 to 22

22-08-2025 11:05 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

A fan of Universidad de Chile prepares to throw a stone during the interruption of the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 second leg football match between Argentina's Independiente and Chile's Universidad de Chile at the Libertadores de America stadium in Avellaneda, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina on August 20, 2025.

IN FOCUS

Why fan violence still sullies Latin American football

21-08-2025 19:20 From Mexico to Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Ecuador, stadium violence continues to mar the beautiful game in football-mad Latin America.

FOOTBALL IN ARGENTINA

Racing and Vélez leave fans singing in the rain

21-08-2025 19:04 Two sides battle through the wind and puddles to set up a mouth-watering Copa Libertadores quarter-final tie.

by Dan Edwards

FOOTBALL VIOLENCE

Blame game begins after fan violence at continental cup tie

21-08-2025 15:19 More than 100 arrests, serious injuries and a diplomatic fallout in the wake of hooligan brawl at Independiente’s Copa Sudamericana clash with Universidad de Chile; Authorities play blame game as Chile, FIFA, CONMEBOL condemns violence.

Members of the media work outside a police station where fans of Universidad de Chile are detained a day after the interruption of the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 second leg football match between Argentina's Independiente and Chile's Universidad de Chile in Avellaneda, Buenos Aires province, on August 21, 2025, due to clashes between rival fans.

FOOTBALL VIOLENCE

Football game ends in violence as Argentines clash with Chileans

21-08-2025 14:28 Reports of injuries Wednesday night varied from more than a hundred to dozens at the Copa Sudamericana match between Independiente of Argentina and Universidad de Chile.

A fan of Independiente shouts during the interruption of the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 second leg football match between Argentina's Independiente and Chile's Universidad de Chile at the Libertadores de America stadium in Avellaneda, Buenos Aires province, Argentina on August 20, 2025

Hooliganism in stadiums

Ten hurt, 90 arrested as match abandoned amid football fan violence

21-08-2025 08:40 Ninety arrests and 10 people injured amid violent clashes between rival fans during a Copa Sudamericana match involving Independiente and Universidad de Chile in Buenos Aires.

Boca Juniors' Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani and goalkeeper Sergio Romero celebrate after defeating Palmeiras on the penalty shoot-out during the Copa Libertadores semifinals second leg football match between Brazil's Palmeiras and Argentina's Boca Juniors, at the Allianz Parque stadium in São Paulo, Brazil, on October 5, 2023.

FOOTBALL TRANSFERS

Argentina's football transfer market enjoys new spring

20-08-2025 18:24 In the last five years, the Liga Profesional de Fútbol has seen exponential growth in spending on transfers: from US$11.5 million in 2020 to US$120 million in 2024.

Fábio and his family celebrate the landmark achievement.

RECORD-BREAKER

Brazilian goalkeeper Fábio claims world record for most football matches

20-08-2025 08:51 Brazilian goalie Fábio Deivson Lopes Maciel claims to have made his 1,391st competitive appearance in men's football – a world record.

Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi looks on during the Conmebol 2024 Copa America tournament group A football match between Chile and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on June 25, 2024.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Angola civic groups urge Argentina, Messi to scrap football friendly

19-08-2025 16:06 Argentina and Lionel Messi urged to scrap planning for friendly match in Luanda with Angola after 30 people were killed in protests.

A supporter of ex-president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner demonstrates at the weekly pensioners protest outside Congress in Buenos Aires.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Stories that caught our eye: August 8 to 15

15-08-2025 16:51 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

Football in Argentina

Is Marcos Rojo a problem or solution for Racing?

15-08-2025 12:46 La Academia are in desperate need of calm heads and a new system to compensate for the loss of Maxi Salas.

by Dan Edwards

Real Madrid's new player, Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono, attends a press conference during his official presentation at the Ciudad Real Madrid training complex in Valdebebas, on the outskirts of Madrid on August 14, 2025.

FOOTBALL TRANSFERS

Franco Mastantuono tells Read Madrid fans: ‘I will give everything for this shirt’

14-08-2025 12:34 Exciting attacking midfielder is formally unveiled as a new Real Madrid player on his 18th birthday, completing his record-breaking transfer from boyhood club River Plate.

Argentine international defender Cristian Romero has been named as Tottenham Hotspur's new captain.

FOOTBALL

Cristian 'Cuti' Romero named Spurs captain, replacing Son

13-08-2025 11:01 Argentine centre-half will lead his side out when Tottenham take on European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday.

the week in review

Stories that caught our eye: August 1 to 8

08-08-2025 19:40 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

COURTS: DEATH OF DIEGO MARADONA

Judges in new Maradona trial reject request to step aside

07-08-2025 16:02 The new court hearing the case into the death of Diego Maradona rejects defence request for two judges to be removed.

Tough times for Russo and Riquelme at Boca Juniors.

FOOTBALL IN ARGENTINA

Boca’s horror story nightmare

07-08-2025 15:47 Things could not look bleaker for Boca Juniors at the moment but the malaise does seem to exceed Miguel Ángel Russo or any one coach.

by Dan Edwards

RUGBY

'Dog ate my passport': All Black rookie in Argentina trip pickle

07-08-2025 15:23 Leroy Carter's dream call-up to the All Blacks Rugby Championship squad almost became a nightmare as he needed an emergency passport for his trip to Argentina.

Milei euphoric and crazed at the Derecha Fest

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Stories that caught our eye: July 19 to 26

28-07-2025 21:01 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match between Internacional CF Miami and FC Porto at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 19, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

FOOTBALL

Messi, Alba suspended over MLS All-Star no-show

28-07-2025 11:40 Lionel Messi and Inter Miami team-mate Jordí Alba have been suspended after the duo skipped Major League Soccer's All-Star game.

Rosario Central's forward Ángel Di María celebrates after scoring a penalty goal during the Liga Profesional de Fútbol 2025 Clausura Tournament between Rosario Central and Godoy Cruz at the Gigantes de Arroyito Stadium in Rosario, Argentina, on July 12, 2025.

Football in Argentina

Away fans return to Argentine football after 11-year ban

22-07-2025 17:35 After more than a decade, visiting fans returned to stadiums in Argentina’s top football flight last weekend.

MOTOR RACING

Argentina MotoGP to move back to Buenos Aires in 2027

22-07-2025 17:03 The Argentina MotoGP will return to Buenos Aires from 2027, almost 30 years after it was last held there, confirms Buenos Aires City Mayor Jorge Macri.

A member of Argentine Special Forces stands guard next to a wall with signs reading 'Justice for God' near the San Isidro court prior to the start of a trial hearing for the death of late Argentine football legend Diego Maradona in San Isidro, Buenos Aires province, on April 3, 2025.

DEATH OF DIEGO MARADONA

False start delays new Maradona death trial, timeframe uncertain

22-07-2025 16:53 Doubts remain after a preparatory hearing between prosecutors, defence lawyers and the new judges appointed after the first trial was declared null and void.

Argentina's fly-half Santiago Carreras, Argentina's full back Benjamin Elizalde, England's wing Cadan Murley, and Argentina's centre Matías Moroni eye the ball during the international rugby test match between Argentina and England at the San Juan del Bicentenario Stadium in San Juan, Argentina, on July 12, 2025.

RACISM ALLEGATION

England's racism claim in Argentina clash upheld by World Rugby

21-07-2025 18:15 World Rugby have upheld England's claim that their players were subjected to racist abuse from Argentina fans during a recent tour match in San Juan.

Another dead whale off the coast of Argentina.

the week in review

Stories that caught our eye: July 12 to 19

21-07-2025 05:45 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

FOOTBALL IN ARGENTINA

Di María's rapturous return pick of Clausura opening weekend

16-07-2025 09:31 There is no respect for rank around the Liga Profesional de Fútbol. Even World Cup winners with extremely distinguished careers are not exempt from getting their bones rattled from time to time. And Di María would not have it any other way.

by Dan Edwards

Argentina's midfielder Thiago Almada celebrates after scoring during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Uruguay and Argentina at the Centenario stadium in Montevideo, on March 21, 2025.

FOOTBALL TRANSFERS

Atlético Madrid agree deal for Albiceleste international Thiago Almada

15-07-2025 18:05 Spanish football club Atlético Madrid announced Tuesday an agreement with Brazilian outfit Botafogo to sign 2022 World Cup winner Thiago Almada.

death of diego maradona

Maradona's physician, accused in star’s death, requests trial by jury

13-07-2025 11:38 Leopoldo Luque, Diego Maradona's personal physician, seeks trial by jury following the annulment of the trial that had begun in March.

In this aerial view members of the Argentine Naval Prefecture inspect a dead whale on the shores of the Río de la Plata river in Vicente López, Buenos Aires Province, on July 9, 2025.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Stories that caught our eye: July 4 to 11

11-07-2025 17:22 A selection of stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

Argentina's Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes (2nd R) greets supporters next to his wife, Camila Galante, during his presentation at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires on July 10, 2025. Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes, World Cup champion in Qatar 2022, returned to Boca Juniors, the team where he began his career between 2010 and 2013, before embarking on a European tour that culminated weeks ago at AS Roma.

FOOTBALL TRANSFERS

Paredes ‘returns home’ to Boca and packed Bombonera

11-07-2025 12:38 World Cup winning midfielder stunned by fan turnout as he formalises return to Boca Juniors.

Football in Argentina

Clausura kick-off: Potential for surprises and upsets sky high

11-07-2025 10:00 As the second half of the top flight gets underway with a second title on the line, there are two teams – at least – under immense pressure to topple reigning champions Platense.

by Dan Edwards

Fan of Argentina cheers for their team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Argentina and Colombia at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, on June 10, 2025.

International football

Albiceleste #1: Argentina remains top of FIFA rankings

10-07-2025 12:51 Argentina remains the highest-ranked national football team in the worldm, according to FIFA.

Leandro Paredes last donned a Boca Juniors shirt for a testimonial match marking Juan Román Riquelme's career with Xeneize.

FOOTBALL TRANSFERS

Boca fans called to La Bombonera for Paredes’ coming home party

09-07-2025 08:32 "Thursday, 6pm, La Bombonera," read a message on the club’s official X account posted Tuesday.

Rosario Central's forward Ángel Di María poses for a photo during his presentation at the Gigantes de Arroyito Stadium in Rosario, Argentina, on July 7, 2025.

FOOTBALL TRANSFERS

Emotional Di María finally returns to Rosario Central

07-07-2025 22:11 “This is more than I ever dreamed of” – Argentina’s World Cup hero breaks down in tears as he rejoins his boyhood club after 18 seasons in Europe.

A snowman is pictured on a snow-covered beach in Miramar, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, on June 30, 2025.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Stories that caught our eye: June 27 to July 4

04-07-2025 18:09 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

Maxi Salas had already been in the Millonarios’ sights prior to the Club World Cup, but that interest has gone into overdrive in the wake of River’s elimination.

FOOTBALL TRANSFERS

River rile rivals by breaking bank for Racing’s Maxi Salas

04-07-2025 07:15 Release clauses have long been understood to have a merely symbolic value in Argentina, an upper limit to negotiate for a player without forcing the seller’s hand – executing it is considered a breach of ethics and the unwritten code.

by Dan Edwards

FIFA CORRUPTION CASE

Convictions in FIFA corruption case reinstated, rules court

03-07-2025 14:32 United States appeals court reinstates convictions of former Fox broadcasting executive and Argentine sports-marketing firm Full Play involved in the FIFA corruption scandal.

All Boys fans carried out anti-Semitic acts before the match against Atlanta.

DISCRIMINATION

'Discrimination': AFA slams 'anti-Semitic acts' by fans of All Boys

01-07-2025 09:55 Argentine football's governing body condemns "anti-Semitic" acts by fans of All Boys ahead of their match with Atlanta.

The US Embassy hosts its annual Independence Day celebration.

the week in review

Stories that caught our eye: June 20 to June 27

27-06-2025 17:41 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

A Boca Juniors fan cheers for his team at the FIFA Club World Cup.

FOOTBALL IN ARGENTINA

Boca's best efforts fall well short of expectations

26-06-2025 19:14 Boca’s boisterous fans deserve better than this current crop. As has so often been the case with the Xeneize, hope turned to despair and ridicule in the blink of an eye.

by Dan Edwards

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

Inter down nine-man River to advance in 'Battle of Seattle'

26-06-2025 00:29 Lucas Martínez Quarta and Gonzalo Montiel sent off as River Plate lose 2-0 to Inter Milan in Seattle; Argentina's two representatives at FIFA tournament both fall at first hurdle.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

Another frustrating low for Boca Juniors at Club World Cup

25-06-2025 15:53 Embarrassment and frustration at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States as Boca’s campaign ends early by being held by semi-professional side Auckland City.

COURTS

Scandal-hit judge responsible for scrapped Maradona trial resigns

25-06-2025 11:44 Pre-empting her likely impeachment and removal from office, Julieta Makintach sends a letter to Governor Kicillof announcing she will resign her post in order to help “rebuild institutional prestige.”

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

Boca held by amateurs Auckland City, out of Club World Cup

24-06-2025 22:44 Xeneize eliminated from FIFA Clup World Cup after failing to beat amateur side Auckland City.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

River Plate frustrated by Monterrey in 0-0 stalemate

22-06-2025 09:26 Poor finishing and a strong goalkeeper by an ex-Boca goalkeeper denies River Plate in Pasadena; Scoreless draw sets up showdown against Inter next Wednesday.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

LatAm teams lay down the gauntlet to Europe at Club World Cup

21-06-2025 22:42 If anyone is going to stop a European side winning FIFA's new 32-team competition, it will be a club from South America.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

Bayern overcome battling Boca to reach Club World Cup last 16

21-06-2025 00:20 Tenacious Boca Juniors side goes down 2-1 to Bayern Munch in Miami; Fantastic Miguel Merentiel breakaway strike put Xeneize back in game after Harry Kane's opener, but Michael Olise strikes winner

In this aerial view supporters of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner gather at Plaza de Mayo square to protest against her conviction and house arrest in Buenos Aires on June 18, 2025.

THE WEEK IN REIVEW

Stories that caught our eye: June 13 to 20

20-06-2025 17:52 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

Messi strikes as Inter Miami stun Porto at Club World Cup

19-06-2025 21:46 Trademark free kick from the Argentine superstar delivers Inter Miami a shock 2-1 win over Porto in Club World Cup.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

South American giants ignite Club World Cup

19-06-2025 14:28 On this side of the Atlantic Ocean at least, the Club World Cup has got off to a roaring start. So far, so good for Argentina's teams at FIFA’s flagship tournament.

by Dan Edwards

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

River Plate ease past Japan's Urawa to start Club World Cup tilt

17-06-2025 21:13 River overpower their Japanese opponents at Lumen Field under the Seattle sun, in an entertaining battle played out before a sparse crowd.

Boca Juniors' Argentine midfielder Rodrigo Battaglia (unseen) celebrates with teammates in front of fans after scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group C football match between Argentina's Boca Juniors and Portugal's Benfica at the Hard Rock stadium in Miami on June 16, 2025.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

Boca, backed by boisterous support, denied by two compatriots as Benfica fight back

16-06-2025 20:53 Boca Juniors, backed by thousands of supporters in Miami, make impressive debut at FIFA Club World Cup; 10-men Benfica come from behind to claim 2-2 draw, thanks to goals from compatriots Ángel Di María and Nicolás Otamendi.

Football

Flying Argentina’s flag on the international stage

13-06-2025 18:09 Back-to-back tests against Chile and Colombia give reigning world champions perfect chance to blood a few new faces; Boca and River head to the US to fly the national flag at the Club World Cup.

by Dan Edwards

Pro-Cristina demonstration in Buenos Aires.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Stories that caught our eye: June 6 to 13

13-06-2025 18:03 A selection of stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

FOOTBALL TRANSFERS

Real Madrid sign River Plate starlet Franco Mastantuono

13-06-2025 13:10 Real Madrid and River Plate seal and sign the most expensive transaction in the history of Argentine football.

Gonzalo Montiel (left) and Sebastián Driussi of River Plate celebrate a goal in Buenos Aires on January 29.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

CWC risks deepening inequality in Latin American football

11-06-2025 23:02 Imbalances are only likely to grow in Latin American football as a result of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Boca Juniors v River Plate: Superclásico.

CLUB WORLD CUP

Club World Cup fixtures – when do Boca and River play?

11-06-2025 22:11 A look at the clashes facing Boca Juniors and River Plate in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

A detailed view of the FIFA Club World Cup trophy.

FOOTBALL

FIFA's Club World Cup finally faces the ultimate test

11-06-2025 21:44 The new-look FIFA Club World Cup kicks off in the United States this weekend with 32 teams from around the globe taking part.

Stunning images of aurora australis (also known as southern lights) began to appear over the Antarctic.

THE WEEK IN REIVEW

Stories that caught our eye: June 1 to 7

06-06-2025 18:39 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

Celebrations in Saavedra, Vicente López and one half of Rosario.

FOOTBALL IN ARGENTINA

Coming home as a champion

06-06-2025 06:26 For the people of Saavedra and Vicente López – and one half of Rosario – it feels like football has returned after years of wandering in the wilderness.

by Dan Edwards

Argentina's forward Julián Álvarez kicks the ball to score past Chile's goalkeeper Brayan Cortes during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Chile and Argentina at the Nacional Julio Martínez Pradanos stadium in Santiago, on June 5, 2025.

WORLD CUP QUALIFERS

Argentina loss leaves Chile’s World Cup dreams in tatters

06-06-2025 01:35 National team wins 1-0 in Santiago thanks to Julián Álvarez goal; Chile extremely unlikely to make next year's World Cup in Canada, Mexico and United States; Scaloni hands debut to River's Mastantuono.

Newell's Old Boys are at the centre of controversy over a photo.

(UN)HEALTHY RIVALRY

Newell's suspends nine-year-old footballers over rival player pic

05-06-2025 00:30 Newell's spark outrage by suspending six nine-year-olds from training and stripping them of scholarships – after they posed for a photograph with Central star.

Boca Juniors Club President Juan Román Riquelme and new coach Miguel Ángel Russo hold up a shirt during the latter's presentation as new Xeneize coach, in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires Province, on June 2, 2025.

Football in Argentina

Russo named Boca coach ahead of Club World Cup

02-06-2025 19:20 Veteran manager begins third spell at Boca helm; Coach tasked with steadying ship ahead of upcoming Club World Cup in United States.