The player widely regarded as the greatest of all time pounced late in the first half in Texas with a trademark left-footed finish after neat build-up play.

The Argentine coach also questioned the modern interpretation of intensity, arguing that tactical awareness and defensive organisation are often more important than constant physical exertion.

Discover the untold childhood struggles of football icon Lionel Messi, from facing growth hormone deficiency in Rosario to signing his historic 2000 Barcelona napkin contract. His legendary journey inspires deep admiration for unmatched athletic perseverance.

Scaloni’s comments came after Uruguay coach and former Argentina boss Marcelo Bielsa also criticised the breaks, arguing that they affect the cultural identity of football.

Everything became a reason to celebrate — a stray dog crossing the screen, broadcast buffering, even coach Lionel Scaloni shouting instructions.

The proof of Messi-De Paul’s telepathic alchemy manifested beautifully on Wednesday morning as the lights of Kansas City illuminated screens across the world.

The Argentine coach has reportedly experimented with both a 4-4-2 and a 3-5-2 formation during training, keeping opponents guessing ahead of Group J's opening match.

Discover the historical secrets of Argentina's iconic flag decorating the streets of Dhaka during World Cup season. The blue stripes and central Sun of May symbolize rich colonial revolutions, inspiring passionate Bangladeshi football fans globally.

With Messi still leading the way, Argentina continue to believe that anything is possible.

What the English saw as unpardonable theft, the Argentines saw as epic retribution.

Argentina begin their title defence on June 16 against Algeria.

Despite Lionel Messi’s second-half introduction, the Albiceleste struggled to maintain momentum.

European Championship winners Spain will face Copa America champions Argentina in the 'Finalissima' game in Qatar in March next year, European soccer body UEFA announced on Thursday.

The 38-year-old Inter Miami forward said he wants to help Argentina defend its 2022 crown in North America next summer.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has called him up for the national team’s friendly against Angola on November 14, even as Inter Miami remain engaged in the MLS playoffs.

As a product of the Velez Sarsfield youth academy, he made the move to Benfica in 2024, where he shared the dressing room with Angel Di María and Nicolas Otamendi.

While Scaloni largely stuck to his tried-and-tested world champion core, he injected fresh energy by calling up three new faces: goalkeeper Facundo Cambeses, defender Lautaro Rivero, and midfielder  Anibal Moreno.

Among the top guns, Portugal moved up to fifth, pushing Brazil down a spot, while Italy re-entered the top ten.

With Lionel Messi absent and Lionel Scaloni fielding an alternative lineup, the world champions struggled for rhythm in a tense contest that saw two red cards and a decisive VAR intervention.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will sit out Argentina’s final group match against Ecuador next week.