Chance creation
Playmaking output: assists, key passes, and custom chance-creation signals.
Di Maria
São Gonçalo EC RJ · Gaúcho - 1 · Attacker · #19 · Brazil · 26 yrs
São Gonçalo EC RJ · Gaúcho - 1 · Attacker · #19 · Brazil · 26 yrs
Di Maria plays as an attacker for São Gonçalo EC RJ. Di Maria is a Brazilian international, 26 years old, attacker, currently at São Gonçalo EC RJ. Di Maria wears shirt number 19 for São Gonçalo EC RJ. Di Maria was born in Itiquira, Brazil on 1999-01-23. Di Maria is 193 cm tall and weighs 78 kg. Di Maria's Sportra profile tracks season statistics across Gaúcho - 1, Paraibano, Paulista - A2, Copa Do Brasil, and other leagues. Di Maria's page brings together career clubs, trophies, injury history, multi-competition stats, and related news headlines. On Sportra you can explore Di Maria season statistics, transfer history, trophies, injury updates, and related news across every competition tracked in the profile.
| Date | Type | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-05-05 | Free |  Treze TRE |  Grêmio Prudente |
| 2024-01-01 | Free |  Novo Hamburgo HAM | Treze TRE |
| 2023-06-01 | Free |  Boavista SC BOA | Novo Hamburgo HAM |
Season intelligence
Profile as Attacker: balanced output without a single dominant trait. Archetype: Balanced contributor.
Scaled 0–99 from season output — map to fantasy, comparisons, or scouting cards.
Per-90 rates, efficiency ratios, and Sportra indices from season totals.
Playmaking output: assists, key passes, and custom chance-creation signals.
Every tracked category for this league and season, grouped by Sportra.
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.
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.
Nicolas Otamendi announced his retirement from Argentina with a total of 139 appearances, raising the question of how many caps Lionel Messi has for the national team. Nicolas Otamendi brought his international career to a close following Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain, becoming the first player from that squad to formally announce his retirement from the national team. At 38 years old, the defender closes a run with La Albiceleste that stretched back nearly two decades. Otamendi’s farewell inevitably invites comparisons to his longtime teammate Lionel Messi, whose own international career has spanned even longer and produced a far higher number of appearances. While Otamendi walks away with 139 caps, Messi remains the benchmark at the top of Argentina’s all-time list with 207 appearances. The two were teammates through nearly the entirety of Argentina‘s most successful era, sharing the field for a run of titles that redefined the national team’s standing in world football. Otamendi’s departure marks the end of that generation’s presence as an active player, even as Messi’s own future with the team remains a lingering question after this tournament. Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida por Twitter Oficial: @Notamendi30 (@nicolasotamendi30) Otamendi’s numbers and titles alongside Messi Otamendi made his Argentina debut on May 20, 2009, in a friendly against Panama under Diego Maradona, going on to make 139 appearances and score 7 goals over more than 17 years with the national team. His true rise to prominence came under Lionel Scaloni, becoming one of the defensive anchors of the most successful cycle in the team’s modern history. Alongside Messi, Otamendi won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Copa America, a trophy collection matched by very few players in the national team’s history. Argentina’s most capped players of all time With his retirement finalized, here’s where Otamendi lands among Argentina’s most capped players ever: PlayerCapsDebutLionel Messi20708/17/2005Javier Mascherano14707/16/2003Angel Di Maria14509/06/2008Javier Zanetti14311/16/1994Nicolas Otamendi13905/20/2009Roberto Ayala11411/16/1994Diego Simeone10407/14/1988Sergio Aguero10009/02/2006Oscar Ruggeri9705/12/1983Sergio Romero9609/10/2009Rodrigo De Paul9410/11/2018Diego Maradona9002/27/1977
After an emotional ending to the 2026 World Cup, the question surrounding Messi’s international career has become one of soccer’s biggest stories, with the next decision from the Argentina icon carrying enormous weight. The final chapter of Lionel Messi’s World Cup journey arrived with heartbreak, but Argentina has already made its feelings about the legendary captain’s future clear. After an emotional ending to the 2026 World Cup, the question surrounding Messi’s international career has become one of soccer’s biggest stories, with the next decision from the Argentina icon carrying enormous weight. Messi’s sixth World Cup ended with La Albiceleste falling short against Spain in the final, but his performances throughout the tournament reminded the world why he remains one of the greatest players in history. The 2026 World Cup was expected by many to be the 39-year-old’s final appearance on soccer’s biggest stage, especially after he previously admitted that another tournament at his age would be extremely difficult. However, the Argentina captain once again showed that his career cannot be predicted easily, producing one of his best-ever World Cup campaigns at 39 years old. Messi finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists, leading Argentina to another World Cup final after already winning the trophy in 2022. Although Spain’s defense limited him in the final, his influence throughout the competition was undeniable. “I don’t know. The truth is, I’m not thinking about that right now. It seems a bit far off but, as I said, I’m living one day at a time and focused on the present,” he said before the tournament. Two teams repeated titles in the past La Albiceleste captain has repeatedly explained that his future depends on his physical condition and whether he can still contribute at the highest level. That approach has kept the door open for another international chapter, even after the disappointment of losing the World Cup final. Argentina has one big wish for Lionel Messi According to Marca, the Argentina Football Association (AFA) hopes Messi will continue with the national team until at least the 2028 Copa America. The tournament would provide another opportunity for Messi to represent Argentina and potentially end his international career on his own terms. “Argentina want Messi to keep wearing the Tango shirt for the foreseeable future,” reported Marca, while noting that nothing has been decided regarding the player’s next move. The timing also fits perfectly with Messi’s current club situation. His contract with Inter Miami runs through 2028, meaning the Copa America could become a realistic final international tournament if he chooses to continue. MIAMI GAAngel Di Maria, Lionel Messi and Nicolas Otamendi of Argentina celebrate with the trophy after the team’s victory in the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Final Argentina’s next major challenge after the World Cup will be preparing for the upcoming international calendar, including friendly matches and future competitions. With the team already qualified for the 2030 World Cup as one of the symbolic hosts alongside Paraguay and Uruguay, Messi would not need to carry the same qualifying burden if he remains involved. Messi’s emotional World Cup farewell creates more questions The scenes after the World Cup final only increased speculation about Messi’s future. After Spain defeated Argentina, Messi collected his runner-up medal before breaking down in tears as he walked away from the pitch at MetLife Stadium. The emotional reaction showed how much the tournament meant to Messi, even though his legacy was already secure before the final whistle. He had transformed his international career after years of criticism and helped Argentina win the Copa America in 2021, the Finalissima in 2022, the World Cup in 2022 and another Copa America in 2024. MESSI CRYING LMFAOOOO pic.twitter.com/ARynADgPDW— ⭐︎ (@satorutismz) July 19, 2026 Could Messi continue until 2030 World Cup? A
Switzerland face Argentina in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, with a place in the semifinals on the line. The final quarterfinal of the 2026 World Cup takes place at Kansas City Stadium, where Switzerland and defending champions Argentina meet for a place in the semifinals. Switzerland head into this match ranked 14th in the FIFA World Rankings, with 1,710.88 points, a position they’ve earned throughout the tournament. Murat Yakin’s men went unbeaten across their four matches so far, opening with a draw against Qatar on Matchday 1 before picking up wins over Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada to close out the group stage. They then cruised past Algeria 2-0 in the Round of 32, and needed a penalty shootout to see off Colombia in the Round of 16 following a goalless draw. Standing in their way is an Argentina side ranked 3rd in the world, with 1,925.15 points. Lionel Scaloni’s men topped Group J with a perfect nine points, then survived an extra-time scare against Cape Verde in the Round of 32 before pulling off a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16. Switzerland players react during the penalty shootout vs Colombia. (Getty Images) Switzerland chasing history Beyond the ranking gap, there’s a bigger prize on the line for Switzerland,as a win would send them into the semifinals for the first time since 1954, snapping a 72-year drought at this stage of the tournament. Argentina and Switzerland’s head-to-head record History strongly favors Argentina heading into the quarterfinal clash. The two nations have met twice at the World Cup, and Switzerland have never beaten Argentina in either meeting. The first came at the 1966 World Cup in England, where Argentina defeated Switzerland 2-0 at the group stage. The second came at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where Argentina needed until the 118th minute of extra time to break the deadlock, with a strike from Angel Di Maria sending them through to the quarterfinals on their way to the final that year.
Argentina will face off against Switzerland in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the game live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Argentina vs Switzerland on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Argentina vs Switzerland WHAT 2026 World Cup WHEN 9:00pm ET / 6:00pm PT • Saturday, July 11, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FOX, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview The reigning world champions Argentina continue their title defense in a high-stakes quarter-final clash against a disciplined Switzerland side. La Albiceleste have walked a tightrope through the knockout stages, requiring a dramatic late comeback to overcome Egypt 3-2 after being down two goals. Their journey has been a testament to their resilience and the enduring brilliance of Lionel Messi, but it has also exposed moments of vulnerability that Switzerland will be eager to exploit. Switzerland enters this match as the clear underdog, but with a quiet confidence built on defensive solidity. They secured their spot in the last eight for the first time since 1954 by grinding out a penalty-shootout victory over Colombia after a tense 0-0 draw. Having kept clean sheets in both of their knockout fixtures, Murat Yakin‘s squad has proven they are organized, tough to break down, and possess the tactical discipline to frustrate even the most potent attacks. Tactical Analysis & Match Context This quarter-final presents a classic clash of styles. Argentina, on a 12-match winning streak, has dominated possession throughout the tournament, averaging over 60% of the ball. Their strategy revolves around controlling the tempo and creating opportunities for their world-class attackers. However, their path has been anything but smooth, with narrow victories against Cape Verde and Egypt highlighting a dependence on late-game heroics rather than comfortable dominance. In contrast, Switzerland‘s success has been built on a foundation of defensive organization. They were tactically astute against Colombia, neutralizing their attack and forcing the game into a war of attrition. While they struggled to create chances themselves, generating a meager 0.07 expected goals (xG), their primary objective will be to replicate that defensive structure. Expect the Swiss to sit deep, absorb pressure, and look to disrupt Argentina‘s rhythm with a physical approach. The motivations for both teams are starkly different. For Argentina, the pressure is immense as they carry the weight of being defending champions. Anything less than another title would be seen as a disappointment. For Switzerland, this is a golden opportunity to make history. Having already exceeded expectations by reaching this stage, they can play with a degree of freedom, knowing that a victory would be a monumental achievement for the nation. Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends Historically, Argentina has had the upper hand in this fixture. The two nations have met twice before at the World Cup, with Argentina emerging victorious on both occasions. The first encounter was a 2-0 group stage win in 1966, but the more recent matchup provides a more relevant benchmark for what to expect in this game. In the Round of 16 of the 2014 tournament, Switzerland held Argentina to a 0-0 stalemate through 90 minutes, frustrating them with a disciplined defensive performance. It took a moment of magic from Angel Di Maria late in extra time to finally break the deadlock and send Argentina through. This history suggests that another tightly contested, low-scoring affair is highly probable. Broader trends also favor the South American side. Argentina has an excellent record against European opposition, having lost just one of their last 10 fixtures against UEFA teams. Conversely, Switzerland has historically struggled against CONMEBOL opponents at the tournament, winning just one of their 10 matches in 90 minutes. While
Ahead of the World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina, Switzerland coach Murat Yakin addressed the vulnerability of Lionel Scaloni's team. Argentina‘s dramatic win over Egypt is already in the rearview mirror, and now the focus shifts to Switzerland, who eliminated Colombia on penalties to book their place in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals. After getting through the shootout, Switzerland‘s head coach Murat Yakin didn’t hold back in assessing their next opponent, acknowledging both the danger and the vulnerability of the world champions. “We’re playing against the world champion. There’s nothing better than having this opportunity. But it’s also been clear, over the last two matches, that Argentina is vulnerable,” Yakin said during his press conference. “I think we’ve earned that respect, and we’ve worked for it. It’s going to be an interesting tactical match. We can challenge the world champion. For a nation like Switzerland, there’s nothing better than playing a World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina. So the anticipation is huge. I think I still need a couple hours, or a day, to process it,” he added. Murat Yakin celebrates Switzerland’s victory vs Colombia. (Getty Images) Argentina’s last two knockout matches back up Yakin’s claim. Cape Verde pushed the world champions to extra time in the Round of 32 before falling 3-2, and Egypt had them on the ropes in the Round of 16, leading 2-0 with just ten minutes to go before Scaloni’s side produced a frantic comeback to win 3-2. Djibril Sow recalls beating France in 2020 Midfielder Djibril Sow echoed his coach’s confidence, pointing back to one of Switzerland’s biggest results in recent memory as proof they can compete with soccer royalty. “For us, this is a very special match. It’s the first time we get to play a quarterfinal against a team that, for me, is one of the favorites to win the Cup. I think it’s going to be very difficult, but I see chances to win. We’re capable of beating great teams, like we’ve done in recent years, like France in 2020,” Sow told reporters after defeating Colombia. Sow’s reference points to Switzerland’s stunning upset of France at Euro 2020 (played in 2021), when the Swiss came back from 3-1 down in the Round of 16 to force penalties against the reigning world champions — eventually winning the shootout in one of the biggest shocks in the tournament’s history. Argentina vs Switzerland head-to-head World Cup record History strongly favors Argentina heading into Saturday’s match. The two nations have met twice at the World Cup, and Switzerland have never beaten Argentina in either meeting. The first came at the 1966 World Cup in England, a 2-0 Argentina win in the group stage. The second came at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where Argentina needed until the 118th minute of extra time to break the deadlock, with Angel Di Maria’s strike sending La Albiceleste through to the quarterfinals on their way to the final.
Franco Mastantuono emerged as one of the best prospects in the world, signing for Real Madrid. Although he seemed to be a regular for Argentina, he has not been included by head coach Lionel Scaloni, with no apparent injuries. After winning the 2022 World Cup, Lionel Scaloni decided to begin a reconstruction of Argentina‘s roster. While Lionel Messi and other players remain central figures, Ángel Di María and other players have left the sporting project. Because of this, Franco Mastantuono seemed to earn a place in the team, as he signed for Real Madrid and established as a promising talent. However, the 18-year-old star has been left out of the squad for the 2026 World Cup. Franco Mastantuono has been left out of Argentina’s roster for the 2026 World Cup due to tactical decisions. After not having playing time at Real Madrid, Lionel Scaloni has decided to bet other players. Even though he has played four games, he has never managed to impose as a starter, relegating him to a peripheral role. By prioritizing players with significant playing time, head coach has left him aside. Nico Paz emerges as the key player for Argentina ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Unlike Mastantuono, the 21-year-old star has been a crucial player for Como 1907 in Serie A. Not only does he stand out creatively, but he also provides a great deal of collective work, which is crucial for Scaloni. In addition, Giuliano Simeone has managed to become a key player on the right wing, leaving Franco without a place in the rotation. Franco Mastantuono faces early struggles at Real Madrid After arriving for €45M from River Plate, Xabi Alonso decided to strongly bet on Franco Mastantuono. Despite the presence of Rodrygo and Brahim Díaz, he earned a spot in the rotation, putting in good minutes. However, he suffered pubalgia that kept him out for several matches and removed him from the team. After the head coach’s departure, the 18-year-old star dropped out of the rotation under Álvaro Arbeloa, playing very few minutes. Franco Mastantuono of Argentina is challenged by Joel Ordoñez of Ecuador. With José Mourinho arriving as the new head coach, Mastantuono seems to have very little space in the rotation. Not only do Arda Güler and Jude Bellingham get ahead of him in the pecking order, but so does Brahim Díaz. Therefore, his future appears to be decided in pre-season. In case he fails to impress, he would be sent on loan, as he aims to continue developing professionally. Mastantuono may emerge as a key figure in Argentina’s future Even though Franco Mastantuono was left out of the 2026 World Cup, he remains one of the most promising players in Argentina. At just 18 years old, he still has serious chances of becoming part of the national team. With Lionel Messi close to retirement, he could emerge as one of the best solutions, as he has a similar profile, playing on the wing with a strong creative emphasis. With the 2028 Copa América just a few years away, Franco could be a key part of Argentina’s attack. However, he would need to go out on loan to a team where he can be a starter. In addition, he would need to gain more consistency in terms of fitness and more offensive contribution, as he has not managed to stand out in Argentina or at Real Madrid in this regard.
After his unexpected omission, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni explained his decision to leave Paulo Dybala out of the preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Scaloni is putting the finishing touches on Argentina‘s 26-man World Cup squad as the defending champions prepare to take the field in North America, though several members of the 2022 title-winning group have already been left behind. Among those names, the head coach has addressed one of the most talked-about omissions by explaining why Paulo Dybala was left off the preliminary roster entirely. On May 11, Scaloni released a preliminary list of 55 players in contention for the final 26 spots. But one of the most striking absences was Dybala, who despite a strong finish to the season at AS Roma was not included even in the extended pool, a decision that raised considerable eyebrows among Argentina supporters. Speaking to DSports, Scaloni addressed the omission directly. “Paulo, it goes without saying that he is a great player. He has come back in an exceptional way with his team, they have qualified for the Champions League with a very strong showing from him. But this is how it always is: young players emerge who contribute, there are players who have consolidated themselves in that position, they deserve an opportunity, and we have made the decision to include other players,” the coach said. One of the underlying factors in the decision is Dybala’s extended absence from the national team setup. His most recent call-up came in September 2024, when he contributed just 16 minutes across the World Cup qualifying matches against Chile and Colombia. Since then, he has missed every Argentina international window while other players, most notably Nico Paz and Emiliano Buendia, have established themselves in the squad. Paulo Dybala of Argentina kisses the FIFA World Cup winning trophy. Now 32, Dybala was also passed over with an eye on where Argentina is headed beyond this tournament. “There is no doubt about the quality he possesses; we love him, he is a spectacular guy, but we look at the present and what others can give us in the future. There are other world champions who were also left out, but this goes day by day, and we have made that decision,” Scaloni said. The 2025-26 season was a challenging one for Dybala on multiple fronts. He first had to adapt to Gian Piero Gasperini’s system at AS Roma before undergoing knee surgery that cost him a significant stretch of the campaign. He did contribute four assists across the final three matches of Roma’s five-game winning streak to clinch a Champions League qualification spot, but the timing of those performances came largely before Scaloni’s preliminary list was released, leaving him precious little opportunity to change the coach’s mind. 2022 World Cup winners already left out of the 2026 edition While Dybala played a peripheral but meaningful role in the 2022 World Cup run, contributing 16 minutes in the semifinal and entering the final against France in time to clear one of Kylian Mbappe’s dangerous moments and convert his penalty in the shootout, that legacy was not enough to secure him a place in 2026. He is far from alone among the champions who have been passed over. Of the 2022 title-winning squad, the players absent from Scaloni’s 55-man preliminary list are Franco Armani, Juan Foyth, Alejandro Gomez, Angel Correa, Paulo Dybala and Angel Di Maria. Of those, only Armani and Di María have officially retired from international football, while Foyth suffered an ACL injury that ruled him out of contention. The exclusions of Correa, Dybala and Gómez are entirely a matter of Scaloni’s own choosing.
It's a song that has echoed around the terraces at Goodison Park - and later Hill Dickinson Stadium - for 17 years. The Republic of Ireland full-back's long Toffees career will soon come to a close after he confirmed he will leave when his contract expires this summer. Coleman moved to Everton in January 2009 and made his debut nine months later against Benfica in the Europa League, taking on the likes of Angel di Maria, Javier Saviola and Oscar Cardozo.
Neymar spoke about his desire to return to the Brazil national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and mentioned Lionel Messi. With 44 days to go until the start of the FIFA World Cup, Neymar is still dreaming of being there. The forward sent a clear message about his desire to return to the Brazil national team to compete at North America 2026, also bringing Lionel Messi into the conversation. “Ney, are you thinking about the World Cup?” a reporter asked the forward during the post-match press conference following Santos’ 1-1 draw against San Lorenzo in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. “Of course. Every Brazilian player thinks about that. I hope I can be there,” Neymar replied. Moments later, another journalist asked whether a potential reunion with Lionel Messi was also part of his plans. “Yes, of course,” Ney answered, going a step further by linking that possibility to a potential meeting at the World Cup: “Also, a final between Brazil and Argentina would be spectacular.” For now, the Santos forward knows that to achieve his goal of returning to the Brazil national team, he must first deliver convincing performances at club level to catch coach Carlo Ancelotti’s attention. Neymar and Messi together during a World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina in 2016. In that regard, the past few weeks have been positive. Neymar played the full 90 minutes against San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana and has now done so in five consecutive matches across all competitions. He only missed last Saturday’s clash against Bahia in the Brazilian Serie A, but that was not due to physical issues—it was a decision by coach Cuca to prioritize this week’s match in Buenos Aires. An Argentina-Brazil World Cup final would be unprecedented Despite being two of the strongest national teams in the world, with eight titles between them, Argentina and Brazil have never met in a World Cup final. In fact, they have not faced each other at any stage of the tournament in 36 years. The last time the two South American giants met at a World Cup was in the Round of 16 at Italy 1990, when Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 thanks to a second-half goal from Claudio Caniggia. That result helped them advance all the way to the final, where they lost 1-0 to West Germany. Overall, Argentina and Brazil have faced each other four times in the FIFA tournament. Two of those matches were Brazilian victories (2-1 in 1974 and 3-1 in 1982), along with a 0-0 draw in 1978 and Argentina’s win in 1990. Messi vs Neymar at international level The friendship between Lionel Messi and Neymar, forged during their years together at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, has not prevented them from facing off multiple times at international level. Messi holds the edge, with three wins and two losses. The most significant meeting between the two came in the 2021 Copa America final, when Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 thanks to a goal from Angel Di Maria, ending a 28-year trophy drought. Messi also recorded wins in 2010 and 2012, while Neymar came out on top in a 2014 friendly and a 2016 World Cup qualifier.
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