Match story
- Argentina fired more attempts (13 vs 10 shots).
- Argentina was more accurate in front of goal (77% on target vs 30%).
- Argentina held more of the ball (59% possession).
Argentina defeated Paraguay 6-1 in Copa America. The fixture is part of the Semi-finals stage in the 2015 season. The match was played at Municipal de Collao in Concepcion. Sandro Meira Ricci, Brazil officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Argentina vs Paraguay 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 Paraguay. 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: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Barco a left-back who can also play in midfieldPlayer had spell at Brighton before move to FranceChelsea have signed the Argentina international Valentín Barco from their sister club Strasbourg on a seven-year deal.The 22-year-old, who played seven times for Brighton including six Premier League appearances during the 2023-24 season, becomes the eighth arrival of new manager Xabi Alonso’s reign. Continue reading...
Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos explained how Lionel Messi was able to return to the MLS in less than two weeks from the 2026 World Cup final. Lionel Messi has officially returned to the pitch for Inter Miami following Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. Less than two weeks after squaring off against Spain, head coach Guillermo Hoyos shed light on the driving forces behind the superstar’s MLS rapid turn-around. Following the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, Messi took a brief vacation before reporting back to Inter Miami’s Fort Lauderdale training facility on Wednesday. With only a couple of team sessions under his belt, the legendary forward suited up to aid the Herons in their ongoing quest for MLS hardware. On Saturday, Aug. 1, Inter Miami hosted the Columbus Crew. Rather than watching from a luxury box as originally expected, Messi was named to the matchday squad as a substitute. The captain entered in the 53rd minute and made an immediate impact, firing four shots (one on target), though the Herons ultimately settled for a 2-2 draw after Columbus midfielder Brais Mendez scored an 84th-minute equalizer. In his postgame press conference, Hoyos praised the dedication of his squad, singling out international stars Messi and Rodrigo De Paul: “I want to thank all the players for the effort they put in. I especially want to thank Leo and Rodri for traveling and showing up so soon after the World Cup. That was very important. This is a difficult, competitive league. We were winning in the 86th minute and wanted three points, but ended up with one. The game escaped us in the final minutes.“ Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball against the Columbus Crew. Hoyos on what drove Messi’s accelerated return Despite turning 39 during the 2026 World Cup, Messi defied expectations by making his return to competitive play in less than a fortnight. Instead of waiting for the club’s upcoming Leagues Cup debut, the Argentine legend insisted on getting match minutes under his belt against Columbus. When asked how Messi managed to stay fit and return so quickly, Hoyos offered a simple explanation: “Love for the game. The feeling towards a team as well. He is a football player, and when we are football players, we never leave football behind. Today I am a manager, but I will never stop being a football player. It is a very strong feeling.“ Hoyos’ sentiment aligns with Messi’s actions during his abbreviated time off. While resting in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, the star was spotted supporting Leones FC (the fourth-division club presided over by his brother, Matias) proving that even during his downtime, soccer remains front and center. Inter Miami now shifts its focus to the 2026 Leagues Cup, opening tournament play against Mexican side Atletico San Luis on Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Nu Stadium. Following his cameo against the Crew, Messi’s participation is all but guaranteed.
With the 2026 MLS season already underway, questions are being raised about when Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi will play his next game. Lionel Messi is still making history at 38 years old, remaining a cornerstone and captain for both Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. With the 2026 Major League Soccer season now underway, fans are wondering when they’ll see the forward back in action. Lionel Messi’s next match with Inter Miami is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, when the Herons host the game against Atletico San Luis at Nu Stadium for the 2026 Leagues Cup debut. The Argentine star heads to the game after making his return to the Herons on Saturday against the Columbus Crew following his World Cup campaign. As for his next game with Argentina, there is no game scheduled yet, but the next matchups will be in the upcoming international break in September. Still, his continuity at the helm of the Albiceleste remains a question since he hasn’t spoken after the 2026 World Cup final over his future. During the World Cup, Messi featured in all eight matches for Argentina scoring eigth goals to cement his legacy as the second all-time top scorer in the torunament with 21 career World Cup goals. As for the 2026 MLS campaign, Messi has featured in 16 official matches so far across all competitions for Inter Miami, scoring 13 goals with 7 assist registered thus far. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF during the MLS match against LAFC. Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title The year 2026 will be especially significant for Messi, not only because of Inter Miami’s ambitions but also because he’ll head into the 2026 World Cup aiming to defend the title. The triumph in Qatar in 2022 marked one of the defining peaks of his career, and now in North America he’ll enter another tournament wearing the champions’ badge for the first time. Drawn into Group J, Argentina will open its campaign against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. The second match will be against Austria on Monday the 22nd in Arlington at AT&T Stadium, before closing the group stage against Jordan on Saturday the 27th, also in Texas. The Argentina FA has announced that the national team will base itself in Kansas City during the tournament, though training facilities have yet to be confirmed. Expected to be his final World Cup appearance, Messi will have a chance to add to his record haul with a squad coached by Lionel Scaloni that remains one of the strongest in international soccer after winning the last World Cup and back-to-back Copa América titles.
Juan Cuadrado confirmed interest from an MLS team, leading many to wonder whether he could end up as Lionel Messi's teammate at Inter Miami. Juan Cuadrado finds himself without a club after his one-year stint at Pisa in Italy’s Serie A came to an end on June 30, and Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami have emerged as a possible suitor for the Colombian, after he confirmed he received an offer from MLS. Besides MLS, the 37-year-old player revealed in an interview with DSports that he also has offers from Mexico and a club in Europe. “There are offers from the United States, from Mexico, and one from Europe that isn’t confirmed yet, but there are talks… Right now I’m waiting on proposals, but for the moment I’m not ruling out the FPC (Professional Colombian Football),” Cuadrado revealed. While Cuadrado hasn’t revealed any of the clubs that have shown interest in him, Inter Miami could easily be one of the MLS sides in the mix for several reasons. The Colombian is currently a free agent, which would make any move straightforward from a contractual standpoint. Since he wouldn’t need to be signed as a Designated Player, the Herons wouldn’t have to touch their salary cap structure to fit him in — a detail that matters given how tightly Miami already manage their DP slots around Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and German Berterame. German Berterame celebrates a goal with Lionel Messi. (Getty Images) There’s also a clear on-field need he could fill. Facundo Mura, the Argentine right back Inter Miami signed as a free agent from Racing Club, has yet to find the level he showed during his time in Argentina. Cuadrado, who can also operate as a right-sided midfielder, would give Hoyos both direct competition for that spot and extra depth on the right flank, something the squad could use as the fixture list piles up. Cuadrado brings a wealth of experience Then there’s the experience factor. Cuadrado cuenta con muchos partidos con una alta carga de presión, having played in a Champions League final. There, he came on as a substitute for Juventus in the 2016-17 decider against Real Madrid, where they lost 1-4 in Cardiff. On the international stage, he featured for Colombia at two World Cups, 2014 and 2018, and across five editions of the Copa America, helping the team to third-place finishes in 2016 and 2021 over more than 110 caps for La Tricolor. None of that guarantees a move to Fort Lauderdale, but between the financial fit, the positional need, and the pedigree he’d bring to the dressing room, Inter Miami have plenty of reasons to keep an eye on Cuadrado’s situation as he weighs his options between MLS, Mexico, Europe and Colombia.
Lionel Messi's return with Inter Miami remains uncertain, and it looks like it won't come against Columbus Crew in the next MLS matchup. Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos has cast fresh doubt over whether Lionel Messi will be fit to face the Columbus Crew this Saturday, just days after the Argentine captain rejoined the squad following Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. Messi returned to training in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, July 29, but Hoyos stopped short of confirming his captain would be included for the visit of Columbus, leaving the door open without making any promises. Speaking to reporters after the training session, Hoyos was asked directly about Messi’s chances of featuring. “We’re talking along those lines. He arrived not long ago, so we haven’t really had the space yet to talk properly, but we’re very happy that he’s back,” the coach said. Rodrigo De Paul finds himself in an identical spot, having rejoined the squad at the same time as his compatriot, meaning his availability for Inter Miami’s next MLS clash is also in doubt. 🇦🇷 Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul are Both Back!The two Argentines have both returned from their post-World Cup breaks to resume practicing with Inter Miami.Guillermo Hoyos did not provide any specifics as to their availability for Saturday vs Columbus. #InterMiamiCF #Messi pic.twitter.com/UOBecSJSv3— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) July 31, 2026 Notably, Inter Miami haven’t needed either of them to keep winning. The club beat Chicago Fire 3-2, with Luis Suárez scoring a brace, and followed it up with a 1-0 win at CF Montreal with the Uruguayan finding the net again, stretching their run to six straight victories. Messi’s potential return to the pitch with Inter Miami If Saturday comes too soon, the more realistic target for Messi’s first appearance since the World Cup final is Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup opener against Atletico San Luis on August 5. That date would also line up with games against Monterrey on August 8 and Leon on August 12 to close the group stage, giving Hoyos a clearer runway to manage Messi’s reintegration than a compressed turnaround against Columbus would allow.
FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following a series of incidents that took place during the World Cup.According to the Daily Mail, the incidents include the display of a cont...
Manchester City is reportedly targeting the signing of Argentina goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, who could return to the club to finally make his debut. Geronimo Rulli has emerged as a surprise target in the 2026 summer transfer window, with Manchester City reportedly eyeing the Argentina goalkeeper on a permanent transfer. Nine years after his initial exit, the shot-stopper could finally return to the Citizens to make his long-awaited club debut. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City is targeting Rulli from Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille. The plan calls for the veteran Argentine to serve as the primary backup under manager Enzo Maresca while Italian international Gianluigi Donnarumma holds down the starting job. City’s interest in Rulli comes as secondary goalkeeper James Trafford nears a permanent transfer to Leeds United. As reported by The Athletic, the prospective deal carries a £40 million ($53 million USD) fee plus add-ons, a figure that would make Trafford the fifth-most expensive goalkeeper in history behind Kepa Arrizabalaga ($91M), Alisson Becker ($71M), Gianluigi Buffon ($60M), and André Onana ($60M). Rulli, who currently serves as the primary backup for the Argentina national team, remains under contract with Marseille through June 2027. According to Argentine transfer expert Uriel Iugt, Manchester City has already agreed to personal terms on a two-year contract with the keeper, leaving Trafford’s formal departure and club-to-club negotiations as the final hurdles. Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool battles for possession with Geronimo Rulli of Marseille. Rulli positioned for long-awaited City debut Rulli built his European career through consistent stints in Spain, France, and the Netherlands. However, his history with Manchester City remains a notable curiosity: despite formally belonging to the club nearly a decade ago, he never played a single minute for the Sky Blues. A product of Argentina’s Estudiantes de La Plata academy, Rulli completed a €3.5 million move to Uruguayan side Deportivo Maldonado in 2014, a club frequently utilized as a transactional bridge for player rights. That same window, he joined Real Sociedad on a two-year loan before Manchester City purchased his rights for €4.7 million in 2016, immediately loaning him back to the Spanish club. During the January 2017 transfer window, Real Sociedad triggered a €7 million buy option to sign Rulli permanently, ending his first stint at Manchester City before he ever put on the shirt. The Argentine keeper came close to returning to the Etihad Stadium later that year, but a personal decision kept him in Spain. Ahead of the 2017-18 campaign, Mundo Deportivo reported that Manchester City considered activating a €14 million buyback clause. Manager Pep Guardiola envisioned Rulli sharing goalkeeping duties with Claudio Bravo, but Rulli opted to remain at Real Sociedad to secure guaranteed playing time ahead of the 2018 World Cup, a tournament he ultimately missed following an untimely injury.
Online petitions are calling for Lionel Messi to have his 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, following the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. Lionel Messi‘s Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, won back on June 3, 2026, has become an unexpected source of controversy in Spain following the 2026 World Cup final. According to reports from outlets like La Razón, more than 30 separate campaigns have popped up online calling for the foundation to reconsider or revoke the honor before its official ceremony in October. It’s worth being clear from the outset: none of this is official. These are online petitions, not a formal review process, and as of now, the Fundación Princesa de Asturias haven’t issued any statement responding to the campaigns. Still, the scale is notable — one of the more prominent petitions has already surpassed 1,500 signatures in just over a week, and the sheer number of separate campaigns circulating suggests this isn’t a fringe complaint. The 2026 World Cup final involved The grievances cited in these petitions center on specific moments from the final and its aftermath: Messi appearing to push for a red card against Marc Cucurella and showing little concern after accidentally striking Mikel Merino in the head with the ball. Messi ile Cucurella arasında geçen diyalog: 🗣️Cucurella: “Sen iyi misin Leo, özür dilerim.”🗣️Messi: “Hey, ağzını kapattı.”🗣️Cucurella: “Hadi ama Leo, bu iş ciddiye binmesin.”pic.twitter.com/7p4sKhzeN0— EPL Günlükleri (@EPL_Gunlukleri) July 21, 2026 There is also broader frustration tied to the flag controversy that arose during Argentina’s semifinal win over England involving the Falklands Islands. Petitioners argue these episodes run counter to the values of respect and fair play the award is meant to recognize. Messi joins a short list of honorees Messi’s award makes him the only individual footballer to win the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports on his own, joining Iker Casillas and Xavi Hernandez as the only other footballers to be recognized, though the two Spaniards received the honor jointly in 2012 rather than individually. Football has also been recognized at the national team level twice before: Spain’s national side won the award in 2010 following their first World Cup title, and Brazil’s national team took the honor in 2002 after securing a record fifth World Cup crown.
After taking his decision to retire, Slavko Vincic reflected on his performance at the 2026 World Cup and his conversation with Argentina's Lionel Messi. Slavko Vincic elected to walk away from officiating after taking center stage for the 2026 World Cup final, closing out his career on soccer’s grandest stage. While looking back at Spain’s dramatic victory over Argentina, the Slovenian referee addressed his on-field conversations with Lionel Messi during the high-stakes final. One week after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium, the Football Association of Slovenia (NZS) officially announced Vincic’s retirement, celebrating his milestone assignment: “A week after the World Cup final in the USA, Slavko Vincic has officially concluded his historic refereeing career at the very top of the world.“ In an interview with Slovenian outlet Sport, Vincic admitted that hearing of his final assignment initially came as a shock. However, representing Slovenian officiating on the world stage was a profound honor, especially “when your entire refereeing career comes down to a single match.“ The match itself featured several critical refereeing moments, highlighted by Enzo Fernandez receiving a second yellow card late in the second half following a tackle on Pau Cubarsi. Despite the high pressure, Vincic praised the officiating crew’s performance: “We were not the main topic of conversation after the match, which shows that we did our job well overall. I think our refereeing strategy was the right one.“ Captains Rodri of Spain and Lionel Messi of Argentina pose with Referee Slavko Vincic and match officials before World Cup Final. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Vincic’s exchange with Messi With Spain controlling the tempo, Argentina struggled to generate late momentum. One notable moment saw Marc Cucurella covering his mouth to speak to Messi, prompting the Argentine forward to call out the gesture to officials. When asked about his direct interactions with Messi during the match, Vincic kept the specifics confidential while praising the superstar’s conduct. “I will leave that conversation on the pitch. But I can say that Messi behaved in a completely sportsmanlike manner,” he stated. Messi’s tough luck with Vincic on the whistle Despite a long international career beginning in 2010, Vincic rarely crossed paths with Messi in European club competitions. Vincic officiated a Barcelona match against Inter Milan in October 2022 after Messi had joined PSG, and later refereed a PSG-AC Milan fixture in October 2023 after Messi had already moved to Inter Miami. Instead, the pair’s only encounters came on the World Cup stage, and both ended in heartbreak for Messi. Their first meeting occurred during Argentina’s shocking 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in 2022, followed by Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory in the 2026 final, marking the only two World Cup losses of Lionel Scaloni’s managerial tenure.
According to reports, Mauricio Pochettino is close to renewing his contract with the USMNT ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly nearing a new deal with the USMNT, a four-year extension that would keep him in charge of the national team through the 2030 World Cup. His original contract only covered the buildup to this summer’s tournament, leaving his future as a subject of speculation even as talks with the federation had reportedly already begun before the World Cup kicked off. According to Telemundo’s Andres Cantor, the extension is close to being finalized, a report subsequently confirmed by The Athletic’s David Ornstein. The deal is said to be in its final stages, though it still requires formal approval from US Soccer’s board of directors before it can be made official. Federation president Cindy Parlow Cone has spoken publicly about the progress of the negotiations, describing conversations with Pochettino as “going well” and suggesting an announcement could come in the near future. Mauricio Pochettino celebrates USA’s victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Getty Images) The push to keep Pochettino in place comes despite a tournament that ended in some disappointment on the pitch, with the U.S. eliminated in the Round of 16 by Belgium in a lopsided 4-1 defeat. That result, however, doesn’t appear to have shaken the federation’s confidence in the Argentine coach, whose overall body of work with the program has been used to justify locking him in for another cycle. Pochettino’s numbers as USMNT manager Since taking over, Pochettino has posted a 18-1-12 record across 31 matches in charge of the USMNT. His World Cup campaign specifically produced a string of historic results: the U.S. topped Group D with wins over Paraguay and Australia, racking up six points, the most in a group stage in program history, and the first time the U.S. had won two group-stage matches since 1930. That form carried into the knockout rounds, where a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 marked the team’s first knockout-stage victory since 2002. Between those results, Pochettino became the winningest head coach in USMNT history at a single World Cup, with three victories in the tournament, while the team also set a new U.S. scoring record with 11 goals across five matches before finishing 12th overall.
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