Match story
- Ecuador created the clearer chances on xG (0.87 vs 1.73, Δ 0.86).
- Ecuador fired more attempts (9 vs 8 shots).
Argentina and Ecuador drew 1-1 in Copa America. The fixture is part of the Quarter-finals stage in the 2024 season. The match was played at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. A. Matonte officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Argentina vs Ecuador meeting in Copa America with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Argentina and Ecuador. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Copa AmericaRecorded meetings: 8 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Argentina and Ecuador drew 1-1 in Copa America. The fixture is part of the Quarter-finals stage in the 2024 season. The match was played at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. A. Matonte officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Argentina vs Ecuador meeting in Copa America with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Argentina and Ecuador. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Copa AmericaRecorded meetings: 8 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
While dealing with the sudden absence of team star and captain Lionel Messi, Inter Miami are on the verge of being eliminated from the 2026 Leagues Cup. Inter Miami find themselves on thin ice following a 2-1 loss to CF Monterrey in the 2026 Leagues Cup group stage. With star captain Lionel Messi absent and only one match remaining on the schedule, the Herons are teetering on the brink of an early exit from the international tournament. The Herons initially kicked off their campaign on the right foot with a 4-2 victory over Atletico San Luis. However, ahead of their Matchday 2 clash against Rayados, Messi received the heartbreaking news of his father’s passing and was granted compassionate leave to fly to Argentina. The loss deeply affected the squad, which held a moment of silence prior to Saturday’s kickoff. With Messi in South America and Luis Suarez, German Berterame, Mateo Silvetti, and Tadeo Allende all sidelined, Miami’s attacking depth was severely depleted. Young prospect Daniel Pinter shared frontline duties with Lovens Delinois, the Haitian forward called up from Inter Miami II to make his senior debut. Rodrigo De Paul put the Herons ahead with a brilliant long-range strike in the 32nd minute, removing his match shirt to reveal Messi’s jersey underneath in a poignant tribute to his close friend and teammate. However, Hugo Cuypers netted the equalizer in the 47th minute, and Diego Rossi delivered a crushing blow with the game-winner in the 90th minute, leaving Inter Miami empty-handed at Nu Stadium. Rodrigo De Paul of Inter Miami CF dedicates his goal to Lionel Messi. (Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images) Now, only one group stage match remains, set for Wednesday, August 12, at Nu Stadium against a formidable Club Leon side that won both of its opening fixtures against Nashville SC (1-0) and Orlando City (2-1). Facing a must-win situation with a depleted frontline, Inter Miami risk missing the knockout phase for the first time since Messi’s landmark arrival in South Florida. What do Inter Miami need to avoid early elimination? Under the expanded Leagues Cup format introduced for the 2025 tournament, only the top four clubs from the MLS table and top four from Liga MX advance to the quarterfinals. Cross-league matchups are determined by table standing, but to secure one of those coveted qualification spots, Inter Miami no longer control their own destiny. Inter Miami currently occupy 11th place in the MLS Leagues Cup standings with three points, five goals scored, and four conceded, trailing ten clubs in the table. The top six sides, Charlotte FC, Austin FC, FC Cincinnati, Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, and FC Dallas, have swept their first two matches with a goal differential of at least +2 (+5 for leaders Charlotte and Austin), meaning Miami needs multiple top teams to lose badly while the Herons secure a blowout win over Leon. Seventh-place LAFC sit on five points with a +1 goal differential, meaning Miami needs the Black and Gold to drop points or lose a potential penalty shootout following a draw. Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake occupy eighth with four points, while Portland Timbers (9th) and Nashville SC (10th) remain tied with Miami on three points, making the Herons’ path to qualification mathematically possible, but statistically improbable.
With FC Barcelona still looking for the striker's signing with a final offer, Julian Alvarez and Diego Simeone are reportedly set to have a face-to-face meeting to define his future at Atletico Madrid. Julian Alvarez‘s future has evolved into one of the marquee storylines of the 2026 summer transfer window following the striker’s public admission of his desire to depart Atletico Madrid. With FC Barcelona still actively pursuing his signature, Alvarez and head coach Diego “Cholo” Simeone are reportedly scheduled to hold a crucial face-to-face meeting to resolve the forward’s status. Simeone has maintained a clear public stance, aligning with club leadership’s decision to retain Alvarez as a foundational piece for Atletico’s 2026-27 campaign. Following his participation in the 2026 World Cup, where he reiterated his intent to seek an exit to pursue a new challenge, Alvarez will return from vacation on Monday, August10, when the pivotal sit-down will take place. According to TyC Sports journalist and Argentina insider Gaston Edul, Julian Alvarez and Simeone will meet face-to-face on Monday to directly address the player’s future. However, the positions held by both parties remain firmly entrenched. Per Edul, after consulting those in the striker’s inner circle, Alvarez considers his tenure at Atletico to be complete and no longer wishes to remain with the club. Conversely, Atletico executives maintain an unyielding position, refusing to negotiate a departure unless an interested club triggers his €500 million (roughly $578 million USD) release clause. Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone interacts with Julian Alvarez after being subbed off. (Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) Simeone will attempt to persuade Alvarez to remain at the Metropolitano and commit to the club’s long-term vision. On the other hand, the forward aims to de-escalate tensions, which grew uncomfortable for him following the media reaction generated by the club’s public social media responses during the World Cup. With triggering the full release clause ruled out by all suitors, Barcelona‘s reported strategy is to present a formal offer worth €120 million (roughly $138 million USD), which would represent the highest proposal submitted for the Argentine star. Whether Atletico considers the bid will depend heavily on the outcome of the discussions between player and coach, mirroring the process when Alvarez met with Pep Guardiola to facilitate his exit from Manchester City. Barcelona remains preferred destination despite Arsenal and PSG interest Alvarez has drawn interest not only from Barcelona, his preferred destination, but also from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, two clubs capable of financing a transfer of this magnitude. Nevertheless, the Blaugrana remains the top choice for the Argentine international. According to Edul, even though Arsenal and PSG have submitted formal inquiries, moving outside of Spain remains a secondary option for the player. Alvarez chose to depart Manchester primarily for family reasons, making a return to England, more specific to London, an undesirable outcome for his personal situation.
Inter Miami face Monterrey in the 2026 Leagues Cup, where Lionel Messi is not expected to be present at Nu Stadium for this clash. Lionel Messi is not expected to be part of Inter Miami’s squad for Saturday’s Leagues Cup clash against Monterrey, following the passing of his father, Jorge Messi. While the club has yet to issue an official confirmation, all signs point to the captain sitting out as he will travel to Argentina. Jorge Messi passed away Friday at a clinic in Rosario at the age of 68, after battling a long illness. He was not only Lionel’s father but also his longtime agent, playing a central role in shaping his career from his early days at Newell’s Old Boys through his moves to Barcelona, PSG and Inter Miami. His return to the pitch remains uncertain. Three upcoming matches have been floated as possible comeback points: Wednesday’s clash with Club Leon on August 12, which appears unlikely given the short turnaround, and Saturday’s MLS match against Nashville SC on August 15. The August 19 meeting with Philadelphia Union, meanwhile, is widely seen as the most realistic option, allowing him more time with his family before returning to full training. Lionel Messi of Inter Miami. (Getty Images) Miami enters the match off the back of a 4-2 comeback win over Atletico San Luis in their Leagues Cup opener, a game in which Messi scored a brace. Without their captain, head coach Guillermo Hoyos is expected to hand the armband to Noah Allen as Inter Miami looks to build on that result against a Monterrey side chasing their first points of the tournament. Inter Miami’s projected lineup With Messi absent, and Luis Suarez still unavailable due to his ongoing suspension, Hoyos is expected to lean on the same core group that carried Miami through their opener, adjusting the attack to compensate for both absences up top. Inter Miami’s projected starting XI: Rocco Rios Novo; Ian Fray, Fricio Caicedo, Micael, Noah Allen; Yannick Bright, Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul; Lovend’s Delinois, Daniel Pinter, Telasco Segovia. Monterrey’s projected lineup Monterrey, meanwhile, will look to bounce back from their Matchday 1 defeat to Orlando City, fielding a lineup built around their attacking depth in Miami. Monterrey’s projected starting XI: Luis Cardenas; Carlos Salcedo, Victor Guzman, Daniel Aceves; Lucas Ocampos, Orbelin Pineda, Jesus Corona, Oliver Torres, Luca Orellano; Hugo Cuypers, Diego Rossi.
Simeone keen on move for Spurs defenderVan de Ven expected to pen five-year extensionTottenham are in talks with Atlético Madrid over the sale of Cristian Romero after categorically rejecting Arsenal’s approach for the Argentina defender and are expected to agree a new five-year deal with Micky van de Ven.Romero has made no secret of his desire to leave Spurs despite signing a new four-year contract at the start of last season and had looked set to join Inter for a fee of around £35m. But Atlético are long-term suitors of the 28-year-old and are thought to be his preferred destination, with Diego Simeone’s side understood to be prepared to match Inter’s bid. Continue reading...
With the focus set on the 2028 Copa America, Argentina FA president casted doubts on the future of Lionel Messi in the national team: "It's his decision." Lionel Messi once again served as Argentina‘s undisputed leader on soccer’s biggest stage during the 2026 World Cup, but questions surrounding his future involvement with the national team remain unresolved. With the 2028 Copa América looming as the next major international tournament, Argentina Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia left the decision entirely up to the star forward, stating, “It’s his decision.” In an interview with TyC Sports, Tapia was asked about Messi’s future with the Albiceleste following another memorable World Cup run, delivering a candid response: “It is purely and personal to him, we have to leave him in peace. It was a great World Cup by Leo, we enjoyed it a lot. We have to feel proud, and I enjoyed every moment I could because I saw him on the pitch. Without a doubt, he was the flag bearer of the group in this World Cup, just as he was in every competition where he led this group.” Tapia went on to highlight Messi’s extraordinary track record since Lionel Scaloni assumed control of the bench. “Out of 5 finals, he won 4, and out of 103 matches, 76 won, 19 drawn, 8 lost. If you count from World Cup to World Cup, from 2022 to 2026, we lost two matches: the first one in Qatar against Saudi Arabia, and the last one against Spain. If you sit down and analyze the World Cup he had, for me, the best player in the World Cup final was him. And he was breaking records match after match,” he added. Since Scaloni’s managerial debut against Guatemala in 2018, Argentina has netted 190 total goals, with Messi directly involved in 79 of them, racking up 60 goals and 26 assists to remain the focal point of this golden era. Lautaro Martinez trails him with 40 goals, while Julian Alvarez sits third with 15, emphasizing how vital the Inter Miami superstar remains to his country. AFA president Claudio Tapia hugs Lionel Messi after losing to Spain in the 2026 World Cup Final. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Looking ahead, the team’s primary focus shifts toward the 2028 Copa America, the next major competition on Argentina’s calendar. While Messi will still be under contract with Inter Miami through December of that year, the fact that he will turn 41 during the tournament casts uncertainty over his participation, let alone his availability for the 2030 World Cup. “It is his decision, pure and exclusive to him. He has to feel the desire like he felt (before)… In 2022, you didn’t know if he was going to be here in 2026. He said ‘this is match by match,’ and I think we saw a great version, if not the best version of Leo in this World Cup. I believe we have to leave him in peace, let him keep enjoying what he likes, which is playing football, and let us also keep enjoying, and let him make the decision he believes is right,” Tapia concluded. Comparing Messi’s timeline to Di Maria’s send-off Angel Di Maria established himself as arguably the second most influential player of the Scaloni era, delivering iconic goals in major finals before closing out his international career after the 2024 Copa America. While Messi has yet to announce a final decision, Tapia emphasized that the captain will evaluate his own physical state rather than rushing into retirement. Reflecting on the fitness of Di Maria, who currently plays for Rosario Central, Tapia noted. “Fideo scored important goals, and I saw him play in the local tournament, and he was easily fit to play (in the World Cup). I don’t get into the decisions of the coaching staff, but he also made clear that he was retired from the national team. So one has to be respectful of everything. He felt he was fulfilled.“ When asked whether Messi still possesses that unquenchable drive to keep competing for Argentina, Tapia referenced a shared moment between the two. “I was talking with him about that in a series, about never gi
The fallout from the abandoned World Cup investment proposal continues to divide the governing body, with major soccer powers questioning the direction of the organization. Gianni Infantino’s future at FIFA has become increasingly uncertain after England changed its position ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, adding further pressure to a leadership battle that has shaken world soccer. The fallout from the abandoned World Cup investment proposal continues to divide the governing body, with major soccer powers questioning the direction of the organization. The crisis has grown beyond the original controversy surrounding FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), the proposed company that would have allowed private investors to purchase a stake in future World Cup commercial revenues. While the plan has been withdrawn, the damage to Infantino’s relationships with several important stakeholders appears far from resolved. FIFA crisis deepens after abandoned World Cup investment plan Infantino faced intense criticism after his proposal to create a new commercial entity and raise around $4.2 billion through private investment triggered opposition from multiple soccer organizations. The plan would have involved selling approximately 20 percent of FIFA Forward Enterprise, a company designed to oversee commercial rights connected to competitions such as the World Cup and Club World Cup. The proposal quickly became one of the biggest political challenges of Infantino’s presidency since he took over FIFA in 2016. UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Soccer Confederation all expressed concerns about the lack of consultation, with UEFA describing the initiative as a “shabby, back room, opaque deal.” FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Although Infantino eventually abandoned the project, UEFA made it clear that the decision alone was not enough to repair the damage. “First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again. These conditions have not been met,” UEFA said in a statement. The European governing body has maintained that it has lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership and has even discussed possible future action, including a potential boycott of FIFA competitions. England FA reveals positon on Infantino’s re-election bid The biggest development came when the English Football Association formally withdrew its support for Infantino’s candidacy for another term as FIFA president. The decision means England will no longer back Infantino’s attempt to remain in charge from 2027 to 2031. The FA’s position followed similar moves from Wales, Serbia, Sweden and Finland, with several national associations distancing themselves from the FIFA president after the failed investment proposal. The English federation reportedly decided that Infantino’s apology and FIFA’s internal response did not change its concerns. “The FA has sent a letter withdrawing its support for Infantino in reaction to the plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors,” BBC Sport reported. Julian Alvarez #9 of Argentina celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal. The decision represents a major setback for Infantino because England remains one of the most influential national associations in world soccer. While the number of federations publicly opposing him remains limited compared with FIFA’s 211 members, the growing criticism from established soccer nations has increased pressure ahead of the election. UEFA considers next steps as Infantino fights to stay in power UEFA now faces a difficult challenge in trying to remove Infantino before the 2027 election. A vote of no confidence would require support from a majority of FIFA’s 211 members, meaning European opposition alone would not be enough. Another possibility would be finding a rival candidate capable of challenging Infantino during the election. CONCACAF president Victor Mo
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While dealing with the sudden absence of team star and captain Lionel Messi, Inter Miami are on the verge of being eliminated from the 2026 Leagues Cup. Inter Miami find themselves on thin ice following a 2-1 loss to CF Monterrey in the 2026 Leagues Cup group stage. With star captain Lionel Messi absent and only one match remaining on the schedule, the Herons are teetering on the brink of an early exit from the international tournament. The Herons initially kicked off their campaign on the right foot with a 4-2 victory over Atletico San Luis. However, ahead of their Matchday 2 clash against Rayados, Messi received the heartbreaking news of his father’s passing and was granted compassionate leave to fly to Argentina. The loss deeply affected the squad, which held a moment of silence prior to Saturday’s kickoff. With Messi in South America and Luis Suarez, German Berterame, Mateo Silvetti, and Tadeo Allende all sidelined, Miami’s attacking depth was severely depleted. Young prospect Daniel Pinter shared frontline duties with Lovens Delinois, the Haitian forward called up from Inter Miami II to make his senior debut. Rodrigo De Paul put the Herons ahead with a brilliant long-range strike in the 32nd minute, removing his match shirt to reveal Messi’s jersey underneath in a poignant tribute to his close friend and teammate. However, Hugo Cuypers netted the equalizer in the 47th minute, and Diego Rossi delivered a crushing blow with the game-winner in the 90th minute, leaving Inter Miami empty-handed at Nu Stadium. Rodrigo De Paul of Inter Miami CF dedicates his goal to Lionel Messi. (Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images) Now, only one group stage match remains, set for Wednesday, August 12, at Nu Stadium against a formidable Club Leon side that won both of its opening fixtures against Nashville SC (1-0) and Orlando City (2-1). Facing a must-win situation with a depleted frontline, Inter Miami risk missing the knockout phase for the first time since Messi’s landmark arrival in South Florida. What do Inter Miami need to avoid early elimination? Under the expanded Leagues Cup format introduced for the 2025 tournament, only the top four clubs from the MLS table and top four from Liga MX advance to the quarterfinals. Cross-league matchups are determined by table standing, but to secure one of those coveted qualification spots, Inter Miami no longer control their own destiny. Inter Miami currently occupy 11th place in the MLS Leagues Cup standings with three points, five goals scored, and four conceded, trailing ten clubs in the table. The top six sides, Charlotte FC, Austin FC, FC Cincinnati, Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, and FC Dallas, have swept their first two matches with a goal differential of at least +2 (+5 for leaders Charlotte and Austin), meaning Miami needs multiple top teams to lose badly while the Herons secure a blowout win over Leon. Seventh-place LAFC sit on five points with a +1 goal differential, meaning Miami needs the Black and Gold to drop points or lose a potential penalty shootout following a draw. Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake occupy eighth with four points, while Portland Timbers (9th) and Nashville SC (10th) remain tied with Miami on three points, making the Herons’ path to qualification mathematically possible, but statistically improbable.
With FC Barcelona still looking for the striker's signing with a final offer, Julian Alvarez and Diego Simeone are reportedly set to have a face-to-face meeting to define his future at Atletico Madrid. Julian Alvarez‘s future has evolved into one of the marquee storylines of the 2026 summer transfer window following the striker’s public admission of his desire to depart Atletico Madrid. With FC Barcelona still actively pursuing his signature, Alvarez and head coach Diego “Cholo” Simeone are reportedly scheduled to hold a crucial face-to-face meeting to resolve the forward’s status. Simeone has maintained a clear public stance, aligning with club leadership’s decision to retain Alvarez as a foundational piece for Atletico’s 2026-27 campaign. Following his participation in the 2026 World Cup, where he reiterated his intent to seek an exit to pursue a new challenge, Alvarez will return from vacation on Monday, August10, when the pivotal sit-down will take place. According to TyC Sports journalist and Argentina insider Gaston Edul, Julian Alvarez and Simeone will meet face-to-face on Monday to directly address the player’s future. However, the positions held by both parties remain firmly entrenched. Per Edul, after consulting those in the striker’s inner circle, Alvarez considers his tenure at Atletico to be complete and no longer wishes to remain with the club. Conversely, Atletico executives maintain an unyielding position, refusing to negotiate a departure unless an interested club triggers his €500 million (roughly $578 million USD) release clause. Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone interacts with Julian Alvarez after being subbed off. (Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) Simeone will attempt to persuade Alvarez to remain at the Metropolitano and commit to the club’s long-term vision. On the other hand, the forward aims to de-escalate tensions, which grew uncomfortable for him following the media reaction generated by the club’s public social media responses during the World Cup. With triggering the full release clause ruled out by all suitors, Barcelona‘s reported strategy is to present a formal offer worth €120 million (roughly $138 million USD), which would represent the highest proposal submitted for the Argentine star. Whether Atletico considers the bid will depend heavily on the outcome of the discussions between player and coach, mirroring the process when Alvarez met with Pep Guardiola to facilitate his exit from Manchester City. Barcelona remains preferred destination despite Arsenal and PSG interest Alvarez has drawn interest not only from Barcelona, his preferred destination, but also from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, two clubs capable of financing a transfer of this magnitude. Nevertheless, the Blaugrana remains the top choice for the Argentine international. According to Edul, even though Arsenal and PSG have submitted formal inquiries, moving outside of Spain remains a secondary option for the player. Alvarez chose to depart Manchester primarily for family reasons, making a return to England, more specific to London, an undesirable outcome for his personal situation.
Inter Miami face Monterrey in the 2026 Leagues Cup, where Lionel Messi is not expected to be present at Nu Stadium for this clash. Lionel Messi is not expected to be part of Inter Miami’s squad for Saturday’s Leagues Cup clash against Monterrey, following the passing of his father, Jorge Messi. While the club has yet to issue an official confirmation, all signs point to the captain sitting out as he will travel to Argentina. Jorge Messi passed away Friday at a clinic in Rosario at the age of 68, after battling a long illness. He was not only Lionel’s father but also his longtime agent, playing a central role in shaping his career from his early days at Newell’s Old Boys through his moves to Barcelona, PSG and Inter Miami. His return to the pitch remains uncertain. Three upcoming matches have been floated as possible comeback points: Wednesday’s clash with Club Leon on August 12, which appears unlikely given the short turnaround, and Saturday’s MLS match against Nashville SC on August 15. The August 19 meeting with Philadelphia Union, meanwhile, is widely seen as the most realistic option, allowing him more time with his family before returning to full training. Lionel Messi of Inter Miami. (Getty Images) Miami enters the match off the back of a 4-2 comeback win over Atletico San Luis in their Leagues Cup opener, a game in which Messi scored a brace. Without their captain, head coach Guillermo Hoyos is expected to hand the armband to Noah Allen as Inter Miami looks to build on that result against a Monterrey side chasing their first points of the tournament. Inter Miami’s projected lineup With Messi absent, and Luis Suarez still unavailable due to his ongoing suspension, Hoyos is expected to lean on the same core group that carried Miami through their opener, adjusting the attack to compensate for both absences up top. Inter Miami’s projected starting XI: Rocco Rios Novo; Ian Fray, Fricio Caicedo, Micael, Noah Allen; Yannick Bright, Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul; Lovend’s Delinois, Daniel Pinter, Telasco Segovia. Monterrey’s projected lineup Monterrey, meanwhile, will look to bounce back from their Matchday 1 defeat to Orlando City, fielding a lineup built around their attacking depth in Miami. Monterrey’s projected starting XI: Luis Cardenas; Carlos Salcedo, Victor Guzman, Daniel Aceves; Lucas Ocampos, Orbelin Pineda, Jesus Corona, Oliver Torres, Luca Orellano; Hugo Cuypers, Diego Rossi.
Simeone keen on move for Spurs defenderVan de Ven expected to pen five-year extensionTottenham are in talks with Atlético Madrid over the sale of Cristian Romero after categorically rejecting Arsenal’s approach for the Argentina defender and are expected to agree a new five-year deal with Micky van de Ven.Romero has made no secret of his desire to leave Spurs despite signing a new four-year contract at the start of last season and had looked set to join Inter for a fee of around £35m. But Atlético are long-term suitors of the 28-year-old and are thought to be his preferred destination, with Diego Simeone’s side understood to be prepared to match Inter’s bid. Continue reading...
With the focus set on the 2028 Copa America, Argentina FA president casted doubts on the future of Lionel Messi in the national team: "It's his decision." Lionel Messi once again served as Argentina‘s undisputed leader on soccer’s biggest stage during the 2026 World Cup, but questions surrounding his future involvement with the national team remain unresolved. With the 2028 Copa América looming as the next major international tournament, Argentina Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia left the decision entirely up to the star forward, stating, “It’s his decision.” In an interview with TyC Sports, Tapia was asked about Messi’s future with the Albiceleste following another memorable World Cup run, delivering a candid response: “It is purely and personal to him, we have to leave him in peace. It was a great World Cup by Leo, we enjoyed it a lot. We have to feel proud, and I enjoyed every moment I could because I saw him on the pitch. Without a doubt, he was the flag bearer of the group in this World Cup, just as he was in every competition where he led this group.” Tapia went on to highlight Messi’s extraordinary track record since Lionel Scaloni assumed control of the bench. “Out of 5 finals, he won 4, and out of 103 matches, 76 won, 19 drawn, 8 lost. If you count from World Cup to World Cup, from 2022 to 2026, we lost two matches: the first one in Qatar against Saudi Arabia, and the last one against Spain. If you sit down and analyze the World Cup he had, for me, the best player in the World Cup final was him. And he was breaking records match after match,” he added. Since Scaloni’s managerial debut against Guatemala in 2018, Argentina has netted 190 total goals, with Messi directly involved in 79 of them, racking up 60 goals and 26 assists to remain the focal point of this golden era. Lautaro Martinez trails him with 40 goals, while Julian Alvarez sits third with 15, emphasizing how vital the Inter Miami superstar remains to his country. AFA president Claudio Tapia hugs Lionel Messi after losing to Spain in the 2026 World Cup Final. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Looking ahead, the team’s primary focus shifts toward the 2028 Copa America, the next major competition on Argentina’s calendar. While Messi will still be under contract with Inter Miami through December of that year, the fact that he will turn 41 during the tournament casts uncertainty over his participation, let alone his availability for the 2030 World Cup. “It is his decision, pure and exclusive to him. He has to feel the desire like he felt (before)… In 2022, you didn’t know if he was going to be here in 2026. He said ‘this is match by match,’ and I think we saw a great version, if not the best version of Leo in this World Cup. I believe we have to leave him in peace, let him keep enjoying what he likes, which is playing football, and let us also keep enjoying, and let him make the decision he believes is right,” Tapia concluded. Comparing Messi’s timeline to Di Maria’s send-off Angel Di Maria established himself as arguably the second most influential player of the Scaloni era, delivering iconic goals in major finals before closing out his international career after the 2024 Copa America. While Messi has yet to announce a final decision, Tapia emphasized that the captain will evaluate his own physical state rather than rushing into retirement. Reflecting on the fitness of Di Maria, who currently plays for Rosario Central, Tapia noted. “Fideo scored important goals, and I saw him play in the local tournament, and he was easily fit to play (in the World Cup). I don’t get into the decisions of the coaching staff, but he also made clear that he was retired from the national team. So one has to be respectful of everything. He felt he was fulfilled.“ When asked whether Messi still possesses that unquenchable drive to keep competing for Argentina, Tapia referenced a shared moment between the two. “I was talking with him about that in a series, about never gi
The fallout from the abandoned World Cup investment proposal continues to divide the governing body, with major soccer powers questioning the direction of the organization. Gianni Infantino’s future at FIFA has become increasingly uncertain after England changed its position ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, adding further pressure to a leadership battle that has shaken world soccer. The fallout from the abandoned World Cup investment proposal continues to divide the governing body, with major soccer powers questioning the direction of the organization. The crisis has grown beyond the original controversy surrounding FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), the proposed company that would have allowed private investors to purchase a stake in future World Cup commercial revenues. While the plan has been withdrawn, the damage to Infantino’s relationships with several important stakeholders appears far from resolved. FIFA crisis deepens after abandoned World Cup investment plan Infantino faced intense criticism after his proposal to create a new commercial entity and raise around $4.2 billion through private investment triggered opposition from multiple soccer organizations. The plan would have involved selling approximately 20 percent of FIFA Forward Enterprise, a company designed to oversee commercial rights connected to competitions such as the World Cup and Club World Cup. The proposal quickly became one of the biggest political challenges of Infantino’s presidency since he took over FIFA in 2016. UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Soccer Confederation all expressed concerns about the lack of consultation, with UEFA describing the initiative as a “shabby, back room, opaque deal.” FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Although Infantino eventually abandoned the project, UEFA made it clear that the decision alone was not enough to repair the damage. “First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again. These conditions have not been met,” UEFA said in a statement. The European governing body has maintained that it has lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership and has even discussed possible future action, including a potential boycott of FIFA competitions. England FA reveals positon on Infantino’s re-election bid The biggest development came when the English Football Association formally withdrew its support for Infantino’s candidacy for another term as FIFA president. The decision means England will no longer back Infantino’s attempt to remain in charge from 2027 to 2031. The FA’s position followed similar moves from Wales, Serbia, Sweden and Finland, with several national associations distancing themselves from the FIFA president after the failed investment proposal. The English federation reportedly decided that Infantino’s apology and FIFA’s internal response did not change its concerns. “The FA has sent a letter withdrawing its support for Infantino in reaction to the plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors,” BBC Sport reported. Julian Alvarez #9 of Argentina celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal. The decision represents a major setback for Infantino because England remains one of the most influential national associations in world soccer. While the number of federations publicly opposing him remains limited compared with FIFA’s 211 members, the growing criticism from established soccer nations has increased pressure ahead of the election. UEFA considers next steps as Infantino fights to stay in power UEFA now faces a difficult challenge in trying to remove Infantino before the 2027 election. A vote of no confidence would require support from a majority of FIFA’s 211 members, meaning European opposition alone would not be enough. Another possibility would be finding a rival candidate capable of challenging Infantino during the election. CONCACAF president Victor Mo
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