Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2 in the World Cup. The fixture is part of the Round of 16 stage in the 2026 season. The match was played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. François Letexier, France officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Argentina vs Egypt meeting in World Cup 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 Egypt. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
World Cup
Lionel Messi is yet to confirm whether he has played his final game for Argentina, after they just fell short in his third World Cup final. The post Paredes expects Messi to retire from Argentina duty after World Cup heartbreak appeared first on SoccerNews.
Inter sporting director confirms attempt to sign RomeroSpurs captain helped Argentina reach World Cup finalInter have entered talks with Tottenham over the potential signing of Cristian Romero. The Spurs captain helped Argentina reach a second straight World Cup final this month, but could leave this summer for a significant fee after an eventful five-year spell.The centre-back has made 156 appearances since he joined Tottenham in 2021 and guided the club to Europa League success last year, but served four separate suspensions during a difficult 2025-26 campaign. Continue reading...
Lionel Messi is in Argentina following his participation in the 2026 World Cup, raising questions about when he'll return to Inter Miami. Lionel Messi made his first public appearance since the 2026 World Cup final on Saturday, resurfacing in Rosario, Argentina, during his rest period away from Inter Miami. After keeping a low profile since arriving in the city, the Argentine captain was spotted at a match far removed from the grand stages he’s used to: a fourth division fixture in the lower tiers of Argentine football. His return to Inter Miami training remains entirely unconfirmed. Messi has prioritized privacy since touching down, even as crowds gathered near his home in Rosario hoping to catch a glimpse of him, and he’d had no public engagements until this outing. Manager Guillermo Hoyos has been clear that the club isn’t setting a deadline for Messi’s comeback, framing the time away as necessary after the physical and emotional toll of a World Cup run that ended in heartbreak. That stance leaves the timeline genuinely open, without a fixed date attached to his reintegration. Current expectations point to a return sometime between late July and early August, where a Leagues Cup debut is the more probable scenario. Miami begin their group stage there on August 5 against Atletico de San Luis, followed by a clash with Monterrey on August 8, before wrapping up against Leon on August 12. Lionel Messi watching Leones vs. Central Córdoba in Argentina’s Primera C. 🇦🇷🎥 @SC_ESPN pic.twitter.com/7IhZwIEPue— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) July 25, 2026 Which game was Messi watching in Rosario? Messi’s outing came at a game between Central Cordoba de Rosario and Leones FC, the club backed by his own family and presided over by his brother, Matias. The team holds special meaning for the Messis: founded on January 2, 2015, and developed for years with support from the Messi Foundation, the club achieved a historic milestone this year by earning a place to compete in the Primera C (fourth division). What Hoyos said about Messi’s return Hoyos has made clear that Inter Miami won’t rush either Messi or Rodrigo De Paul back into the fold, declining to commit to any specific date for their reincorporation. Asked directly about a timeline during a press conference, the coach said the two players “will be out the time they need to be out,” adding that “what they need most is to rest and be with their loved ones in their place“.
While Messi’s international career and Scaloni’s position as head coach continue to generate questions, Angel Di Maria believes both figures should remain involved with the national team due to one powerful reason. Lionel Messi and Lionel Scaloni remain at the center of Argentina’s future debate after another unforgettable World Cup campaign. While Messi’s international career and Scaloni’s position as head coach continue to generate questions, Angel Di Maria believes both figures should remain involved with the national team due to one powerful reason. Although some reports have suggested that Messi may retire from international football after the World Cup final defeat, no official decision has been announced. The possibility of seeing him continue until the 2028 Copa America remains open, especially with his current physical condition allowing him to compete at the highest level. The former La Albiceleste star has called for patience and continuity after the team’s emotional 2026 FIFA World Cup journey ended with a defeat against Spain in the final. According to Di Maria, Messi still has plenty to offer despite turning 39, while Scaloni remains the ideal person to guide a talented group of emerging players. Di Maria wants Messi to continue with Argentina Messi’s future with Argentina has been one of the biggest talking points since the 2026 World Cup final. The captain helped Argentina reach another final and delivered another remarkable tournament, but the 1-0 defeat against Spain increased speculation that his time with the national team could be coming to an end. However, Di Maria believes Messi should decide his own future and continue playing for as long as he feels capable. The former Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain winger insists that Messi’s age should not be viewed as a limitation after seeing him perform at the highest level once again. “Leo should continue for as long as he wants. I think he can carry on for many more years,” Di Maria told TNT Sports. The 36-year-old also highlighted Messi’s extraordinary achievements and his ability to remain among football’s elite players despite being in the final stages of his career. “At 39 years old, he has proven he is still one of the best players in history, and there are no limits to his abilities,” Di Maria said. For Di Maria, Messi’s value goes beyond statistics and trophies. The Argentina captain remains a leader inside the dressing room and a symbol for a younger generation that has grown under his influence. The reason Di Maria believes Scaloni must stay While Messi’s future has dominated headlines, Di Maria also addressed the uncertainty surrounding Scaloni. The Argentina coach’s contract situation has created questions about whether he will continue leading the team after building one of the most successful eras in the country’s soccer history. Since taking charge, Scaloni has transformed Argentina into a consistent international powerhouse. Under his leadership, the national team won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa America, creating a winning culture that had been missing for decades. Di Maria believes Scaloni’s greatest achievement has been developing a new generation of players capable of carrying Argentina forward. “He is the leader of this Scaloneta and this national team, and I hope he continues. I believe he is building a wonderful generation of young players, and that is something in the national team’s interest,” Di Maria said. The former Argentina winger praised the coach’s ability to create unity within the squad and believes his work is far from complete. “He will know what he wants, but I hope he stays,” Di Maria added.
Roberto De Zerbi appears to have taken a subtle dig at Cristian "Cuti" Romero, amid his possible departure from Tottenham. Roberto De Zerbi didn’t hold back when discussing the wave of transfer speculation surrounding his Tottenham squad, delivering a pointed message that landed squarely on Cristian “Cuti” Romero‘s situation, even if it wasn’t asked with him specifically in mind. Speaking on a press conference from Auckland, New Zealand, where Tottenham are set to play a preseason friendly against Auckland FC, the Italian coach made clear he has no interest in keeping players around who don’t want to be there. Technically, De Zerbi‘s comment was prompted by a question about Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall, who’s reportedly pushing for an exit of his own in search of more regular minutes. But the message applies just as directly to Romero, whose name has been increasingly tied to a move away from North London this summer. “I’ve been very clear since the start of my time at the club. I’ve already said that whoever doesn’t want to stay at Tottenham, whoever isn’t happy, whoever doesn’t feel proud to be here, has to leave. I want proud players, who go out onto the pitch with motivation,” De Zerbi said. Cristian Romero celebrates a goal for Tottenham. (Getty Images) With Romero now reportedly in active talks over a potential move to Inter Milan, De Zerbi’s comments read less like a passing remark and more like a signal to the squad: anyone whose heart isn’t fully in Tottenham won’t be forced to stay. Where do Romero’s negotiations with Inter Milan stand? According to Italian outlet SportMediaset, Inter Milan already have a contract prepared for Romero, a three-year deal worth €5 million per season. The report indicates Inter’s front office has been in contact with both Tottenham’s management and the defender’s representatives, laying the groundwork for a potential move. Romero, who previously spent time in Italian football with Genoa and Atalanta, is said to be open to a return to Serie A, and formal negotiations between the two clubs could get underway in the coming days. Romero’s move that didn’t sit well with the Tottenham fanbase One reason behind Romero’s potential exit from England could be that his relationship with Tottenham’s fanbase has reportedly cooled in recent months. That shift became more pronounced after the Argentine defender, while sidelined with injury, traveled to Argentina to attend the Torneo Apertura final between his boyhood club Belgrano and River Plate — on the very same day Tottenham were fighting for their Premier League survival. It’s not the first time Romero’s future at the club has come into question, but that episode marked a clear turning point in how supporters view his commitment.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente believes there was one defining element behind his team's remarkable triumph, and it ultimately carried the national team through one of the toughest knockout runs in World Cup history. Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe all stood in Spain’s path during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, yet none of the global superstars could prevent Luis de la Fuente’s side from lifting the trophy. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente believes there was one defining element behind his team’s remarkable triumph, and it ultimately carried the national team through one of the toughest knockout runs in World Cup history. The Spanish national team finished an unforgettable tournament by defeating defending champion Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the World Cup final, sealing its second men’s World Cup title. Along the way, the champion overcame Portugal, France, and Argentina, eliminating teams led by three of soccer’s biggest icons while extending an extraordinary unbeaten run. However, La Roja’s route to the title was anything but straightforward. The knockout stage began with a 1-0 victory over Portugal, ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of another World Cup triumph. After overcoming Belgium in the quarterfinals, La Roja then defeated Kylian Mbappe’s France 2-0 before edging Lionel Messi’s Argentina in a tense final decided by Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike. The journey highlighted the quality of Spain’s performances rather than any reliance on individual brilliance. While every opponent featured world-class talent, Spain consistently controlled matches through organization, discipline, and possession. Luis de la Fuente explains Spain’s greatest strength After the tournament, De la Fuente revealed what he believed separated Spain from every other contender. Instead of focusing on individual stars, the coach pointed to the collective identity of his squad. “We said we were facing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and Kylian Mbappé’s France, and we were going to play against Lionel Messi’s Argentina,” De la Fuente explained. “But they were facing a team of 26 players.” That, according to the Spain manager, became the decisive difference throughout the competition. Unity over individual brilliance De la Fuente expanded on his message by comparing his squad’s mentality to one of history’s most famous stories. “And recalling that famous saying about the 300 Spartans, we Spaniards are the 26,” he said. “Because our true strength wasn’t in one individual, but in the unity of the group. And that’s what gives us great strength.” His comments reflected the identity Spain built during the tournament. Rather than depending on a single superstar, every member of the squad contributed, whether as a starter or from the bench.
Inter Miami face CF Montreal in Matchday 18 action of the MLS, where many are wondering if Lionel Messi will be available for the Herons in Canada. Lionel Messi will sit out Inter Miami’s trip to face CF Montreal in Matchday 18 of the 2026 MLS regular season, as the Argentine captain continues his mandatory recovery period following Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. Messi has yet to return to training with the Herons since getting back from the tournament. His absence isn’t tied to injury or suspension. Current FIFA-FIFPRO regulations grant players a minimum 21-day rest window after major international tournaments, and Messi is using his in full. Rodrigo De Paul is in the same boat and will also miss the trip to Quebec. It’s a notable blow for Inter Miami’s attack, given Messi has racked up 12 goals and seven assists in just 14 MLS appearances this season. Inter Miami arrive at Stade Saputo on a five-match winning streak and sit near the top of the Eastern Conference table, with Luis Suarez carrying the attacking load in Messi’s absence — the 39-year-old scored a brace in Miami’s 3-2 win over Chicago Fire last time out. Luis Suarez celebrates a goal for Inter Miami. (Getty Images) CF Montreal projected lineup CF Montreal could line up in a 4-3-3, with Matthew Longstaff as the creative engine in midfield. Up top, the trio of Hennadiy Synchuk, Prince Owusu and Noah Streit will be tasked with breaking down the Inter Miami backline. CF Montreal’s projected starting XI: Breza; Bugaj, Neal, Vera, Petrasso; Herbers, Longstaff, Loturi; Synchuk, Owusu, Streit. Inter Miami projected lineup With Messi and De Paul unavailable, Hoyos is expected to turn to a 4-3-3 built around Luis Suarez, who’s been in red-hot form with eight goals in his last 12 MLS appearances, including a brace in the win over Chicago Fire. Inter Miami’s projected starting XI: St. Clair; Mura, Fray, Micael, Reguilon; Ruiz, Bright, Segovia; Silvetti, Suarez, Berterame. When could Messi be back? As for when Messi comes back, the picture is still taking shape. He’s expected to rejoin the group in late July or early August, but given the 21-day rest allowance, his likelier reappearance could come in the Leagues Cup. Inter Miami open group play against Atletico de San Luis on August 5, face Monterrey on August 8, and close against Leon on August 12 — a date that would line up with the end of his mandated rest period.
Barcelona's search for a new center-back could see Cristian Romero move away from the club's plans. Barcelona continue to focus primarily on signing a forward, with the plan to bring Julián Álvarez still not advancing significantly, but the club is also looking to strengthen its defense. The possibility of an elite center-back joining the team has now emerged after Cristian Romero confirmed to Tottenham that he will not continue at the club. Romero was expected to wait for Barcelona to make an offer, but he may not be willing to do so for much longer, according to Sport. The Argentina international has attracted interest from Inter, with the Italian club looking to bring in a leader for its defense. Barcelona are saving their financial resources for the forward position, making a potential €50 million fee for Romero difficult to meet if the club does not complete a sale first. That situation could allow Inter to become a serious competitor for the center-back, as Fabrizio Romano reports the interest. Aymeric Laporte’s Barcelona opportunity Barcelona’s interest in another center-back comes from a very different situation, with Aymeric Laporte emerging as a particularly interesting option after his performance for Spain alongside Pau Cubarsí. The veteran defender’s understanding with the young Barcelona center-back was one of the main points of attention for the Catalan club. Laporte could be a great option (Carl Recine/Getty Images) The club was already looking for left-footed center-backs, with Alessandro Bastoni appearing to be the preferred option. However, his price was considered too high for the club to make an offer at this time, while Marcos Senesi was another possibility largely because he could be available as a free agent, albeit he did not convince Barcelona as much. Laporte could now become an attractive alternative because of his experience, his understanding with Cubarsí and his price. The defender has a €15 million release clause, making the signing highly affordable for a player who is only 32 years old and could still have several years at the highest level. Romero’s experience in Italy A return to Italy would see Romero go back to a country where he previously enjoyed some of the best moments of his career. The Argentina international made 60 appearances for Genoa across two seasons and 42 for Atalanta in one campaign.
According to reports, Arsenal would be willing to include Viktor Gyokeres in a deal for Julian Alvarez. Arsenal’s chase of Julian Alvarez has taken a new turn, with the Premier League club reportedly prepared to sweeten any offer for the Argentine by throwing in one of their own stars. According to Gary Jacob of The Times, the Gunners are willing to include Viktor Gyokeres as part of a package deal for Atletico Madrid’s star forward. The move stems directly from manager Mikel Arteta, who is said to have personally asked the club’s hierarchy to go after Alvarez this summer after Arsenal missed out on Morgan Rogers. The 23-year-old ultimately joined Chelsea instead, becoming the most expensive signing in the Blues‘ history, and that setback appears to have pushed Arteta to look at Alvarez as his priority target to add another dimension to Arsenal’s attack. Including Gyokeres in the proposal signal just how far Arteta is willing to go to land Alvarez. The Swedish forward joined roughly a year ago from Sporting CP for a fee in a similar range to his current valuation of around €65 million, and he was Arsenal’s top scorer last season. Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal. (Getty Images) Alvarez and Gyokeres’ season Alvarez enters the conversation off a productive campaign at Atletico Madrid. In LaLiga alone, he scored 8 goals and added 4 assists across 29 appearances, totaling 1,902 minutes. Across all competitions, his output rose to 20 goals and 9 assists in 49 matches, including 10 goals and 4 assists in 15 Champions League appearances, tying him as Atletico’s top scorer alongside Alexander Sorloth. He carried that form into the 2026 World Cup with Argentina, where he found the net just once, delivering when it mattered most with an extra-time goal in Argentina’s 3-1 quarterfinal victory over Switzerland. Gyokeres, meanwhile, closes his first season in North London as Arsenal‘s leading scorer, with 21 goals across 55 games in all competitions, including 14 in 36 Premier League appearances. He then took that form into the World Cup with Sweden, where he scored one goal and provided two assists in a campaign that ended with his team’s elimination in the round of 32 against France.
Having already announced he would retire internationally after the World Cup, Argentina's Nicolas Otamendi has now confirmed his decision. The post Argentina’s Otamendi officially confirms international retirement appeared first on SoccerNews.
Leandro Paredes revealed the decision Lionel Messi made regarding his future with the Argentina national team. Leandro Paredes is already back in domestic action with Boca Juniors following Argentina’s World Cup run, and he didn’t shy away from addressing Lionel Messi‘s international future when given the chance. Speaking in the mixed zone at La Bombonera after Boca’s 1-0 win over O’Higgins in the Copa Sudamericana, where Paredes provided the assist for Miguel Merentiel’s winning goal, the midfielder revealed new details about what Messi had planned heading into the World Cup final. According to Paredes, Messi had already made up his mind that the final against Spain would be his last match with the national team, even if his Argentina teammates were hoping for a different outcome. “It hurts, because we didn’t want that last match to arrive. He had made a decision, which was for that to be his last match with the Argentina national team. Hopefully not, hopefully he can keep playing,” Paredes said. Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes celebrate a goal for Argentina. (Getty Images) The midfielder made clear that whatever Messi ultimately decides will have the group’s full support, framing it as a personal call rather than something teammates should try to influence. “It’s going to be his decision. Whatever makes him happy will surely make us happy too,” he added. Paredes on his own future with the national team Paredes isn’t just weighing in on Messi’s situation, he’s also facing questions about his own future with Argentina. At 32 years old, the Boca midfielder admitted he’s beginning to consider whether to continue at the international level following an emotional cycle with the national team. “I think for many of us, it’s going to come down to thinking about whether to continue or not. It was a beautiful, spectacular process and we achieved important things. It’s going to be very difficult to maintain this level, for the group to keep functioning this way. You have to think it over, weigh a lot of things. Decisions like this have to be made calmly,” Paredes said. Asked directly whether he had reached a conclusion, he stopped short of confirming anything just yet. “I don’t know. Honestly… I don’t know. It’s a process. You have to digest it, think it over. You shouldn’t make hasty decisions. But it’s definitely something that needs to be talked about,” he said.
Spain won the World Cup for the second time after defeating Argentina in the 2026 final, and the South American side did not react well. The post De la Fuente slams Argentina’s ‘intolerable’ World Cup final behaviour appeared first on SoccerNews.
The veteran defender confirmed his decision after Argentina's heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, closing one of the most successful chapters in the history of the national team while leaving behind a legacy matched by only a select group of soccer icons. Nicolás Otamendi has officially brought the curtain down on his remarkable Argentina career, ending an international journey that spanned 17 years and included World Cup glory alongside Lionel Messi. The veteran defender confirmed his decision after Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, closing one of the most successful chapters in the history of the national team while leaving behind a legacy matched by only a select group of soccer icons. The River Plate defender, who recently returned to his homeland after an accomplished European career, chose to announce his farewell through an emotional social media message. His departure marks the end of an era for Argentina, with one of the squad’s most dependable leaders stepping away after helping guide the national team through its most successful modern period. Otamendi revealed that the World Cup final against Spain would be remembered as the final appearance of his international career. Although Argentina fell 1-0 after extra time, the 38-year-old insisted he leaves with pride rather than regret. On social media, the defender reflected on the emotions surrounding his final match with the national team. “Today I have to write the hardest words of my entire career. Since childhood, I dreamed of wearing the Argentina national team shirt. It was the greatest privilege that football gave me.” Otamendi admitted the ending was painful but said the squad could walk away knowing it fought until the very end. “As it happened, my last match was the World Cup final. It wasn’t the result we wanted, but I leave with my head held high, because this team fought until the very last second.” A place among Argentina’s greatest Otamendi’s farewell also confirmed another remarkable achievement in his career. He finishes with 139 appearances for Argentina, placing him fifth on the nation’s all-time appearance list behind only Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano, Ángel Di María, and Javier Zanetti. That milestone highlights the consistency he displayed since making his debut in May 2009, becoming one of the longest-serving players in Argentina’s modern history. Across those appearances, Otamendi scored eight goals and contributed three assists, while representing his country in four FIFA World Cups. He also featured in multiple Copa América tournaments and became one of Lionel Scaloni’s most trusted defenders during Argentina’s golden generation. A career filled with major trophies Otamendi leaves international football with an outstanding list of achievements. He helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, lifted the Copa América twice in 2021 and 2024, captured the 2022 Finalissima, and finished as runner-up at the 2026 World Cup. His performances during the victorious 2022 World Cup campaign established him as one of the team’s defensive leaders. Four years later, he once again helped Argentina reach the final, even though the dream of defending the title ended against Spain. The defender also produced memorable moments throughout his career, including the famous winning goal against Brazil at the Maracanã during World Cup qualifying, a result that handed Brazil its first-ever home defeat in the competition.
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