News of sports

Paters compete for the ball during the Superclásico beteeen Boca Juniors and River Plate at the La Bombonera in October 2026.

Superclásico proves tables have turned for Boca and River

05-11-2026 17:50 River likely cannot wait for this cursed 2026 to end. Boca, meanwhile, continue to look for a straight flush and the cards just keep going their way.

by Dan Edwards

RUGBY UNION

Contepomi makes sweeping changes to Pumas line-up for Irish Test

04-11-2026 10:58 Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi makes 12 changes to the starting line-up for Friday's Nations Championship match with Ireland in Dublin from the one that drew with Australia in September.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

No De Paul and Lo Celso in Argentina squad for November friendlies

03-11-2026 17:07 Coach Lionel Scaloni leaves out several key players as the world champions prepare for their first matches without their departed talisman Lionel Messi.

Referee Nicolás Ramírez shows a red card to River Plate defender Lucas Martínez Quarta during the Argentine Professional League 2026 Clausura tournament football match between Boca Juniors and River Plate, at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires on November 1, 2026.

Football in Argentina

Boca see off nine-man River in Superclásico

01-11-2026 17:29 Xeneize win bragging rights after 1-0 win in Sunday's Superclásico; Early red card gets River's afternoon off to bad start; Montiel expelled after two yellows, leaving Millo with nine.

La Bombonera, Boca Juniors' stadium in Buenos Aires, during a Superclásico against River Plate.

FOOTBALL IN ARGENTINA

AFA revamps Argentina's top flight with new football format for next season

31-10-2026 12:52 AFA announces format for 2027 season, though relegation rules have yet to be confirmed; Only River Plate spoke out, seeking 20-team top flight.

River Plate fans cheer during the Argentine Professional League 2026 Clausura tournament football match between River Plate and Racing at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on October 25, 2026.

Football in Argentina

Boca-River Superclásico takes centre stage in league run-in

29-10-2026 13:10 Boca Juniors, Rosario Central and Argentinos Juniors are locked in a tight battle for the annual title, while several sides fight to reach the Clausura last 16.

Football in Argentina

Chacarita Jnrs-Nueva Chicago: Clash that makes Superclásico look tame

29-10-2026 13:05 With the stakes as high as they can be, neither Chacarita Juniors or Nueva Chicago will want to let their borderline-unhinged fans down and drop to Argentina's third tier.

by Dan Edwards

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.

FOOTBALLER THREATS

Football fan jailed for threats over Di Maria return

29-10-2026 08:24 Newell’s Old Boys ultra was convicted of orchestrating an intimidation campaign against the World Cup winner and his family in a bid to prevent him joining fierce rivals Rosario Central, footballer's hometown club.

Spain's Princess Leonor, King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Princess Sofia applaud as Argentine football legend Lionel Messi receives the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sport during the 2026 Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony at the Campoamor theatre in Oviedo on October 23, 2026.

SPORTING STAR HONOURED

Messi receives top Spanish award from heir to throne

23-10-2026 19:31 Lionel Messi honoured as winner of the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in Spain.

Death of Diego Maradona

Judges set Diego Maradona death trial verdict for December 22

23-10-2026 11:52 Prosecutors are seeking prison sentences of up to 12 years for six healthcare professionals accused over the football legend’s 2020 death; Clinical physician Pedro Di Spagna cleared of charges by judges as they set date for verdict.

Copa Libertadores

Estudiantes stun holders Flamengo to reach Copa Libertadores final

23-10-2026 06:56 Fernando Muslera saves three penalties as Estudiantes stun defending champions Flamengo at the Maracaná to reach the Copa Libertadores final.

FOOTBALL IN ARGENTINA

Paredes steps up to keep Xeneize dreams alive

22-10-2026 17:57 The big games are not letting up for Boca. But that’s exactly what the Xeneize and its dynamic young team want.

by Dan Edwards

Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia and Lionel Scaloni.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Reports: Scaloni agrees to extend Argentina contract until 2030

22-10-2026 00:42 World Cup-winning coach has agreed a new deal with the AFA, with an initial two-year contract and a renewal clause that could extend his time in charge of the national team to 2030.

A supporter of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona holds a T-shirt outside the San Isidro courthouse during the final hearing of defense closing arguments in the trial over Maradona's death, in San Isidro, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, on October 21, 2026.

death of diego maradona

Maradona’s doctor was made ‘scapegoat’ for his death, court told

22-10-2026 00:19 Defence lawyers defend clients against negligence charges as trial nears climax; Seven healthcare professionals who treated and cared for late star in dock, with prosecutors seeking sentences of between four and 12 years in jail for six of the accused.

Boca Juniors' midfielder Leandro Paredes celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Copa Sudamericana semifinal second leg football match between Brazil's Vasco da Gama and Argentina's Boca Juniors at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 20, 2026.

CONTINENTAL FOOTBALL

Boca comeback in Brazil secures Copa Sudamericana final spot

21-10-2026 05:03 Remarkable 3-1 comeback win takes Xeneize into first continental final since 2008; World Cup winner Leandro Paredes comes off the bench to fire Boca past Vasco da Gama and into first continental final in two decades.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Albiceleste to begin post-Messi era with Uruguay and Costa Rica friendlies

16-10-2026 15:57 Lionel Scaloni’s side will play its first matches since emotional farewell to Lionel Messi; Friendlies against Uruguay and Costa lined up for November.

The Week in Review

Stories that caught our eye: October 9 to 16

16-10-2026 00:13 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

MOTOR RACING

Colapinto asks his Formula 1 fans to stop attacking rivals

15-10-2026 12:06 Alpine driver says online abuse of fellow drivers and team members could damage his future, as he seeks to build on a turbulent season in Formula One.

Medical doctor Nancy Forlini (R), charged in the case over the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, arrives at the court before a hearing in the trial over Maradona's death in San Isidro, Buenos Aires province, Argentina, on October 8, 2026.

death of diego maradona

Prosecution arguments conclude in Diego Maradona death trial

14-10-2026 23:44 Closing arguments by prosecutors and the family’s lawyers; Lawyers seek prison terms of up to 16 years for six of seven defendants; Defence due to present its case next week.

OBITUARY

Former world boxing champion Jorge ‘Roña’ Castro dies at 59

14-10-2026 11:17 Ex-middleweight champion was remembered for a remarkable comeback knockout against John David Jackson in 1994; 59-year-old passes away after heart attack,

Veronica Ojeda (R), former partner of late Argentine football legend Diego Maradona and mother of his youngest son, Diego Fernando Maradona, arrives with her lawyer Mario Baudry at the court before a hearing in the trial over Maradona's death in San Isidro, Buenos Aires province, Argentina, on October 8, 2026.

death of diego maradona

Lawyer seeks up to 16 years for defendants in Maradona death trial

13-10-2026 21:02 Late football legend’s medical team is accused of failing to prevent star’s death in 2020; His youngest son’s lawyer demands tougher sentences than prosecutors while addressing trial, which is nearing crucial stage.

Sancor Seguros and their drone show error.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Stories that caught our eye: October 2 to 9

09-10-2026 17:45 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

FOOTBALL

Messi steps off-stage with a show to remember

09-10-2026 10:41 What a privilege to have seen the greatest player ever to practice this sport do what he loves so well, for so long.

by Dan Edwards

Lionel Messi shakes hands with Benin's defender Mohamed Tijani ahead of the international friendly football match between Argentina and Benin at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on October 6, 2026.

BUSINESS OF SPORT

Argentina friendlies prove to be no fairy tale for African footballers

08-10-2026 13:55 When Benin and Burkina Faso flew to Buenos Aires for friendlies against Argentina, both sides expected a trip to remember. But unfortunately, it didn't quite work out like that.

Dalma Maradona (centre) and Giannina Maradona (right), daughters of football legend Diego Maradona, talk with their lawyer Fernando Burlando (left) as Verónica Ojeda (background), former partner of Maradona and mother of Diego Fernando Maradona, looks on before a court hearing in the trial over the late star’s death in San Isidro, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, on October 8, 2026.

DEATH OF DIEGO MARADONA

Closing arguments begin in Maradona death trial

08-10-2026 13:44 Prosecutor says "chaotic organisation" of late star’s medical team left the ailing player "in a helpless situation, abandoning him to his fate" as trial enters decisive weeks.

CAPTAIN SPEAKS

Messi says he already misses playing for Argentina

08-10-2026 00:08 Less than 24 hours after calling time on his international career, skipper says he is already missing wearing Argentina’s shirt.

A fan of Diego Maradona displays a tattoo of the star, outside a hospital where the ex-footballer was to undergo brain surgery for a blood clot, in Olivos, Buenos Aires Province, on November 3, 2020.

DEATH OF DIEGO MARADONA

Maradona death trial enters final stages as negligence questions remain

07-10-2026 13:50 A look at four key issues from the trial into the legendary footballer’s death and how to understand the marathon proceedings.

Benin players and staff take photographs on the pitch ahead of the international friendly football match between Argentina and Benin at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on October 6, 2026.

FINAL FAREWELL

Benin full of pride at role in Messi's last dance

07-10-2026 12:14 Football fans in Benin say it was "an honour" to provide the opposition for Lionel Messi's final international appearance; Screens had sprung up in restaurants and bars in the capital Cotonou showing historic occasion.

END OF AN ERA

Emotion, tears as Messi retires from international football

07-10-2026 00:21 Lionel Messi shares his emotions and skills as he bids farewell to Argentina's national team; Star scores and assists two in 3-0 win over Benin at the Monumental.

Lionel Messi composes himself as he speaks following the international friendly football match between Argentina and Benin at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on October 6, 2026.

GRACIAS LEO!

'I'm going to miss you' – Messi thanks fans after 'painful' retirement

06-10-2026 23:52 Messi bids emotional farewell after final match with Albiceleste; "Playing for Argentina is the greatest thing that can happen to you," he tells fans.

Argentina fans cheer for their team ahead of the international friendly football match between Argentina and Benin at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on October 6, 2026. Argentines will bid farewell to Lionel Messi with a huge "thank you" themed send-off in Buenos Aires, where the legendary captain will end his more-than-two-decade international career with a friendly against Benin.

GRACIAS POR TODO LEO!

As Messi bows out, Argentines say 'thank you'

06-10-2026 18:27 Millions set to watch the 39-year-old bid an emotional farewell to international football at the Monumental tonight.

Lionel Messi and his crowning moment: with the World Cup.

THE GOAT BY NUMBERS

Records upon records: Messi's numbers with Argentina

06-10-2026 11:57 Skipper, who ended his international career against Benin in a farewell friendly, is Argentina's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.

Argentina fans celebrate their team's victory over Australia after the Rugby Championship Test match between Argentina and Australia at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on September 13, 2025.

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY

Argentina leads regional bid to host 2035 Rugby World Cup

06-10-2026 08:27 UAR announces bid to host the men's 2035 Rugby World Cup in South America, with games also in Uruguay, Chile and Brazil.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Messi readies for final farewell in Argentina send-off

05-10-2026 13:13 Argentina's skipper will bring the curtain down on his glittering Argentina career on Tuesday with a farewell friendly against Benin.

Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni watches his players from the touchline during the international friendly football match between Argentina and Burkina Faso at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on October 3, 2026.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Scaloni explains why Argentina don't play top opponents in friendlies

04-10-2026 09:11 Lionel Scaloni wants challenging friendly matches for his team; Argentina’s coach says he would prefer to face stronger opposition but admits there are few options available: "Everything is already closed or blocked"

Argentina's forward Franco Mastantuono scores his team's sixth goal during the international friendly football match between Argentina and Burkina Faso at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on October 3, 2026.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Argentina thrash delayed Burkina Faso 7-0 ahead of Messi farewell

04-10-2026 09:03 World champions run riot at the Monumental against African side; Burkina Faso’s participation in friendly was in doubt after problems disrupted team’s journey to Buenos Aires.

NATIONAL TEAM

‘Cuti’ Romero handed unenviable task of following Messi as captain

03-10-2026 16:31 Twenty-eight-year-old Atlético Madrid defender handed the armband by Lionel Scaloni; Romero the heir to Messi's captaincy.

French President's wife Brigitte Macron welcomes Argentina's presidential chief-of-staff Karina Milei ahead of France's and Argentina's Presidents meeting at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris on October 1, 2026.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

What we learned this week: September 26 to October 2

02-10-2026 18:20 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

Argentina's forward Jose Manuel Lopez celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's fourth goal during the international friendly football match between Argentina and Bolivia at Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Cordoba, Argentina, on September 30, 2026.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Argentina thrash Bolivia as new faces emerge for post-Messi era

01-10-2026 21:12 Albiceleste enjoys comfortable 4-0 friendly win over Bolivia; Lautaro Martínez, Nico Paz, Cristian Romero and Jose ‘Flaco’ López on scoresheet as Argentina begin rebuilding.

ANOTHER CLUB FOR LEO

Messi finalises acquisition of second Spanish football club

01-10-2026 19:33 Eldense, based just in-land from Alicante, becomes Argentine star’s second venture into Spanish football ownership.

Lionel Messi of Argentina looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Argentina and Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri.

STAR HONOURED

Messi to receive honorary doctorate from UBA

30-09-2026 22:31 UBA will honour Argentina’s captain for his sporting achievements and role as an "ambassador of national identity."

Diego Maradona's former medical doctor Leopoldo Luque arrives at courthouse for a preliminary hearing in a trial over his death in San Isidro, outskirts of Buenos Aires on April 14, 2026.

death of diego maradona

Maradona death trial descends into defendant blame game

30-09-2026 14:03 Fresh dispute in court as defendants point finger at each other during trial into late star's death.

Argentina's football team coach Lionel Scaloni gestures during a press conference at the Argentine Football Association (AFA) training camp in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires Province, on September 29, 2026

NATIONAL TEAM

Scaloni: ‘Willingness on both sides’ to extend Argentina contract

29-09-2026 16:46 National team coach says he wants to continue in charge and that initial talks with AFA are underway over the renewal of his contract.

A supporter of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro takes a picture with his phone during a demonstration against the government of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in front of Brazil's Central Bank in Brasilia on August 3, 2025.

Brazil election 2026

Lula bans sports betting in Brazil, days ahead of crunch election

27-09-2026 17:47 Brazil President bans sports betting sites, the biggest sponsor of the country's football clubs, just days before a nail-biter election.

FORMULA 1

'Big mistake' – Colapinto apologises after criticism for Baku crash

27-09-2026 10:33 World champion Lando Norris says Alpine's Franco Colapinto should face a race ban for causing the crash that took him out of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix; Argentine driver admits "big mistake" and offers apologises.

MURDER TRIAL IN FRANCE

French court jails two over Federico Martín Aramburú's murder

25-09-2026 20:41 Loïk Le Priol and Romain Bouvier jailed for 26 and 19 years over gunning down of Argentine rugby player Federico Martín Aramburú in 2022 after a dispute at a Paris brasserie.

A protester carries puppets depicting President Javier Milei and Presidential Chief-of-Staff Karina Milei during the 'Marcha de Bronca' against government policies, as demonstrators march from Plaza del Congreso to Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires on September 19, 2026.

The Week in Review

Stories that caught our eye: September 19 to 26

25-09-2026 19:24 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

The father of late Argentine rugby international Federico Martín Aramburú, Edgardo Martín, leaves Assize Court, France's criminal court, during a break in the trial of two far-right activists over the 2022 Aramburu's killing in Paris on September 21, 2026.

MURDER TRIAL

Suspected Paris killer of Argentine rugby star Aramburú begs forgiveness

25-09-2026 14:31 Loïk Le Priol, 32, and Romain Bouvier, 35, charged with murder and attempted murder respectively over the 2022 killing of Argentine rugby international Federico Martín Aramburú. They face life if found guilty.

Football in Argentina

AFA makes sure to cash in on Messi’s final farewell

25-09-2026 10:37 Those in charge at AFA are keen to take full of advantage of Lionel Messi’s farewell to the fans. Nevertheless, it promises to be a stunning send-off against Benin.

Lionel Scaloni and Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia.

NATIONAL TEAM

Scaloni 2028: Tapia's plan to safeguard the national team project

23-09-2026 11:47 Talks between Lionel Scaloni and Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Claudio ‘Chiqui’ Tapia have entered a decisive phase; Two-year extension on the table, with an option for two more.

by Nicolás Ziccardi

Runners compete in the Buenos Aires International Marathon as they pass in front of a mural depicting Argentine football legend Diego Maradona at La Boca neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, on September 20, 2026.

Death of Diego Maradona

Expert disputes account of Maradona's final hours during testimony

23-09-2026 08:12 Witness testimony contradicts prosecution's theory that the football legend endured up to 12 hours of agony, saying his death was sudden and possibly linked to Covid-19.

Runners compete in the Buenos Aires International Marathon as they pass in front of the Casa Rosada presidential palace in Buenos Aires, on September 20, 2026.

ATHLETICS

Kenyan runner Chumba wins Buenos Aires marathon

20-09-2026 13:18 Bethwel Kibet Chumba finished the 42.195-kilometre race in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 28 seconds, while compatriot Rebecca Kangogo Chesir was the top finisher in the women’s category.

A monument to Malvinas War veterans in Argentina.

The Week in Review

Stories that caught our eye: September 11 to 18

18-09-2026 19:05 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

A model of the house where late Argentine football legend Diego Maradona died is seen arriving to the trial for his death at court in San Isidro, Buenos Aires Province, on March 11, 2025.

death of diego maradona

Maradona's death was unforeseeable, expert tells trial into star's death

18-09-2026 11:13 Lengthy trial in San Isidro, near Tigre, began in April and has now entered its final stage.

Can Rodolfo Arruabarrena lead Boca to continental glory?

FOOTBALL IN ARGENTINA

Boca take another step towards ending silverware drought

17-09-2026 13:52 Rodolfo Arruabarrena has led the Xeneize into semi-finals of Copa Sudamericana, Copa Argentina quarters and Clausura play-off spots. The pressure is on – and he, his players and the fans know it.

by Dan Edwards

Lionel Messi is lifted by teammates as they celebrate after winning the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. Lionel Messi was called up by coach Lionel Scaloni for Argentina’s friendly against Benin on October 6, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced on september 15, 2026, weeks after the star said he was retiring from the Albiceleste.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Messi set for 'one last dance' with Argentina in international friendly

15-09-2026 18:12 AFA chief Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia says 39-year-old Lionel Messi has been called up for match against Benin next month "so that he can have the farewell he truly deserves... here in Argentina."

River Plate's head coach Marcelo Gallardo.

International football

Ex-River boss Marcelo Gallardo appointed as new Ecuador head coach

14-09-2026 08:29 Ex-River Plate coach replaces compatriot Sebastián Beccacece, who stepped down after Ecuador's loss to co-hosts Mexico in this year's World Cup.

The Ushuaia Aero Club and the Ushuaia Naval Air Station, located next to the area where Argentina’s government plans to build a new naval base, are pictured in Ushuaia.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Stories that caught our eye: September 4 to 11

11-09-2026 17:14 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

Two of Argentina’s giants, Racing Club and Independiente.

Football in Argentina

Big trouble in Avellaneda

11-09-2026 09:32 Two of Argentina’s giants, Racing Club and Independiente, continue to struggle through a 2026 which has brought little by way of joy on the pitch.

by Dan Edwards

Argentine footballer Lionel Messi exits the Mercedes garage before the start of the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 3, 2026.

STAR BUYS FOOTBALL TEAM

Lionel Messi to buy second Spanish second division side Eldense

10-09-2026 09:47 Messi is set to become the “majority shareholder” of Spanish second-division football club Eldense.

PREMIOS PERFIL 2026

Perfil honours nation's greatest achievers in 50th anniversary prize-giving

09-09-2026 20:21 Winners were selected out of a shortlisted trio by a jury of 10 consisting of Agustín Salvia, Daniel Grinbank, Carlos Melconian, Isela Constantini, Juliana Cassataro, José Natanson, Mauricio Kartun, Angela Lerena, Dolores Reyes and Gustavo Beliz.

by Michael Soltys

FOOTBALL

AFA hopes Benin and Burkina Faso can tempt Messi to one last dance

09-09-2026 17:34 Lionel Messi has retired from international football – but Argentina’s football authorities still have a couple more games in mind…

Inter Miami's Argentine forward Lionel Messi looks on during a Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season football match between Inter Miami CF and Atlanta United FC at Nu Stadium in Miami, Florida, on September 5, 2026.

BUSINESS OF SPORT

Messi closes in on takeover of Spanish second-division club

09-09-2026 08:15 Argentine superstar reaches preliminary agreement to acquire Eldense on the eastern Mediterranean, expanding his growing portfolio of football and business investments.

FOOTBALL & MONEY

Lionel Messi nears deal to buy another football team

09-09-2026 08:07 Star plans to buy a majority stake in Spanish second-division football team Eldense, pending due diligence, according to reports.

Loik Le Priol (2ndR), main suspect in the deadly shooting of former star Argentine rugby player Federico Martin Aramburu in Paris, is seen on a screen inside the Budapest Metropolitan Court on March 25, 2022, as he arrives for his virtual hearing at the Zahony police station, as a translator stands in front of the screen. Two ultra-right-wing activists, Loik Le Priol, 32, and Romain Bouvier, 35, will go on trial on September 7, 2026, in front of the Assize Court, France's criminal court, over the deadly shooting of former Argentine rugby international Federico Martin Aramburu following in March 2022 in Paris.

RUGBY STAR'S KILLING

Far-right activists on trial in Paris over killing of rugby star Aramburú

07-09-2026 15:49 Two far-right activists stand trial in Paris over the 2022 killing of rugby star Federico Martín Aramburú.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Argentina's Economy Minister Luis Caputo.

The Week in Review

Stories that caught our eye: August 28 to September 4

04-09-2026 18:00 A selection of the stories that caught our eye over the last seven days in Argentina.

FOOTBALL

Messi's epic journey comes to an end – and what a ride it was

04-09-2026 00:35 It’s testament to everything Messi achieved with Argentina that even after two decades of dominance, he still leaves us wanting more.

by Dan Edwards

Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2026 World Cup Group J football match between Argentina and Austria at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on June 22, 2026.

INTERNATIONAL RETIREMENT

AFA orders tribute to Messi, with applause in the 10th minute of matches

03-09-2026 10:55 One-minute pause at matches across all levels is "recognition of Lionel Messi's career with the Argentina National Team," declares AFA.

DEATH OF DIEGO MARADONA

Expert to trial: Maradona should have been admitted to a ‘rehabilitation facility’

02-09-2026 15:52 Diego Maradona should have been admitted to a “rehabilitation facility” due to alcohol withdrawal symptoms following neurosurgery, expert tells trial.

Lionel Scaloni, Head Coach of Argentina, reacts after receiving the medal following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

WHAT NEXT FOR ALBICELESTE?

Messi departure leaves Argentina facing rebuild after golden era

02-09-2026 15:37 Testing transition period ahead as national team attempts to move on from Lionel Messi's international retirement; Question marks also hanging over futures of coach Lionel Scaloni and several other players.