Fernando
Premier League · Midfielder · #20 · Brazil · 32 yrs
Fernando news
Report: Lionel Messi’s Argentina future in doubt after 2026 World Cup final defeat
After the 2026 World Cup final defeat against Spain, reports have positioned Lionel Messi's future in Argentina highly in doubt. Lionel Messi gave everything he had, but it wasn’t enough to capture back-to-back World Cup titles as Argentina fell in a tense, low-scoring final against Spain. Following the heartbreaking extra-time loss to La Roja, multiple reports indicate that the 39-year-old superstar’s international future is suddenly on shaky ground. According to ESPN Argentina, sources close to Messi admit that continuing with the Argentina national team will be difficult following the physical and emotional toll of the final defeat. With the captain set to turn 43 during the 2030 tournament, embarking on another grueling four-year cycle feels like a daunting mountain to climb for the legendary playmaker. As reported by ESPN‘s Esteban Edul, the overwhelming consensus within the squad was that the 2026 campaign represented Messi’s final World Cup appearance. Even leading up to the tournament in North America, the Inter Miami star hesitated to publicly commit to the roster, adopting a cautious, year-by-year approach before ultimately suiting up. Furthermore, Messi’s potential departure presents a major predicament for head coach Lionel Scaloni. The manager reportedly feels that launching a complete squad rebuild in the post-Messi era will be an immense challenge, even with a strong foundation of international stars already in place. Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina reacts during the World Cup 2026 Final against Spain. Messi had structured his international career to peak at this exact moment, while on the club side, his current contract with MLS side Inter Miami runs through December 2028, at which point he will be 41 years old. Edul noted that while his Argentine teammates plan to do “everything humanly possible” to persuade their captain to stay, the final decision will rest entirely on how Messi’s body holds up. AFA targets Messi for short-term events including Finalissima and 2028 Copa America After everything he has achieved for his country, Messi earned the right to decide his international retirement on his own timeline. However, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is already building its short-term sporting plans around the captain’s potential availability. As reported by insider Fernando Czyz for Doble Amarilla, the AFA has outlined immediate objectives that include keeping Messi in the mix for upcoming international windows. Within that roadmap, the South American governing body envisions the forward participating in the upcoming Finalissima, 2030 World Cup qualifying fixtures, and the 2028 Copa America. In that context, his day-to-day workload with Inter Miami will be vital, as regular MLS play through 2028 would allow him to maintain match fitness without the relentless wear-and-tear of a European calendar. For now, the Argentina FA is patiently waiting to meet with Messi’s inner circle, refusing to impose any hard deadlines on whether he chooses to hang up his boots or push forward for one last ride.
Bielsa reveals Muslera asked to be substituted after his fourth World Cup error cost Uruguay in 1-0 loss to Spain
Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera made a massive error that cost his side as they lost to Spain by a goal to nil, crashing out of the 2026 World Cup in North America.The South Americans needed a dra...
Cape Verde take World Cup fairytale to knockout stage as Spain end Uruguay's run
Cape Verde set up a historic showdown with reigning champions Argentina in the knockout rounds after drawing 0-0 with Saudi Arabia on Friday to extend their fairytale journey at the 2026 World Cup. Uruguay crashed out after goalkeeper Fernando Muslera's costly error handed Spain a 1-0 victory in Guadalajara, sending the European champions through as Group H winners.
Real Madrid want the world to know there’s another show in town
Before the Geopolitics World Cup circus gets under way, Real Madrid would like you to know there’s always another show in town. Los Blancos have an odd, difficult relationship with the tournament. Spain’s 2010 triumph involved Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso and Iker Casillas being bolted on to a raft of Barcelona players, somewhat demeaning to any aristocratic pretensions. Back in 2018, Madrid upended the Spain national team by snaffling away Julen Lopetegui to be their coach, such that he was sent back from Russia before a ball was kicked. After Fernando Hierro, a Madrileno final boss, took the reins, the tournament was a bust for Spain, and relations have been strained ever since.Yesterday Ray Anselmo questioned why Andoni Iraola would join Liverpool, who won something last year and then weren’t satisfied with fifth place and the quarter-finals of Bigger Cup this year. Is it safe to assume that Ray is a Spurs fan?” – Neale Redington.Jon Millard is stout in his defence of AOR musos but I disagree with his comment that Tapestry (Carole King) has no links with ‘Antipodean Journeymen’. Surely So Far Away and Home Again allude to travels of the two Australasian teams – the latter probably applying a short time after the teams land in North America. And Where you Lead could apply should one of these teams snatch the first goal in a match? Beautiful is a normal epithet of the game of association football, OK not always bandied about when discussing Kiwi or Aussie football, but y’know. Will You Love Me Tomorrow: of course we will, even when faint hopes are dashed in the group stage. Lastly, I feel the Earth Move is mainly a song about a daily occurrence here in the shaky isles of New Zealand, but should we win a match …” – Rod de Lisle.A simple request on behalf of the rest of us friendless virtual barflies – please publish every single response to Jon Millard’s broadside. The fact that Toto, Boston, Journey, and the entire AOR genre all caught strays in one almighty righteous take makes this tea-timely email worth reading, and I for one am here for it” – Daniel Stauss.To quote the inimitable Half Man Half Biscuit, ‘Everything’s AOR’ (football Daily letters passim). Now can we please move on?” – David Bell. Continue reading...
Barcelona to offer €90 million plus bonuses for top target; Flick has already spoken to the player
FC Barcelona made a significant move on Wednesday in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez, as sporting director Deco held a direct meeting with his agent, Fernando Hidalgo.Now, the La Liga champions have a...
