Sports
Argentina bank on Messi again for historic 6th World Cup run at 39
Lionel Messi will captain Argentina at a record sixth World Cup, extending an international career that has already reshaped the modern game as the reigning champions arrive in North America with both legacy and expectation weighing heavily on every step.
Lionel Messi enters the tournament at 39, still central to Argentina’s identity nearly four years after delivering the country’s long-awaited third world title in Qatar. That 2022 campaign was not just a triumph but a full reinvention of his international legacy, defined by seven goals, three assists, and decisive moments in every knockout round, culminating in a final against France where he scored twice and converted in the shootout to secure the trophy.
In the immediate aftermath, Messi suggested that the World Cup win had closed the circle on his career, calling it the one achievement he had been missing. Retirement from international football felt like the natural next step. Instead, he chose to extend his run, driven by the rare opportunity to compete again as reigning world champion and the unfinished pull of elite competition on the global stage.
That decision has carried Argentina into a new cycle under coach Lionel Scaloni, who has repeatedly made clear that Messi’s role cannot be replicated. The structure of the team, both tactically and emotionally, still flows through him, even as Argentina have gradually diversified their attacking patterns and reduced dependence on a single focal point.
The physical context is different now. Messi’s departure from Europe in 2023 after a mixed spell at Paris Saint-Germain marked the end of his weekly exposure to the Champions League level. At Inter Miami CF, he has found a new rhythm, producing 13 goals in 16 appearances in 2026 and leading the club to the MLS Cup title last season. The tempo and intensity differ from Europe’s elite competitions, but his efficiency and influence remain intact.
Recent injury management has added a layer of caution. A hamstring issue following a match against Philadelphia Union briefly raised concern within Argentina’s camp, though the medical outlook has been described as manageable. The expectation remains that he will be available for the opening phase of the tournament.
What remains striking is the scale of his international longevity. Messi is approaching 200 caps, already standing as Argentina’s record holder for appearances and goals, and his national team journey now spans five World Cups and three decades of football evolution. He debuted in 2006, experienced the heartbreak of the 2014 final loss to Germany, and then completed the long arc with victory in 2022.
Since that breakthrough, his influence has not faded. He captained Argentina to the 2024 Copa America title in the United States, adding another major trophy to a resume that had long been defined by near misses at international level. He also played a leading role in South American qualifying, finishing among the top scorers and reinforcing that his output remains decisive even in a shared attacking system.
Argentina’s current squad reflects a blend of continuity and controlled renewal. The core of the 2022 champions remains intact, including Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez. The retention of 17 players from Qatar underscores how stable the structure remains.
At the same time, Scaloni has begun integrating younger profiles such as Nicolás Paz and Valentín Barco, while experienced names like Paulo Dybala and Emiliano Buendía were left out. The omission of highly rated teenager Franco Mastantuono also drew attention, highlighting the fine balance between long-term planning and immediate tournament ambition.
Preparation for the tournament includes friendlies against Honduras and Iceland before Argentina begin Group J play against Algeria in Kansas City. Austria and Jordan complete the group, with fixtures scheduled across the United States, including a match in Arlington, Texas that will take place just days after Messi’s 39th birthday.
Inside the squad, there is an awareness that this cycle may represent the final World Cup chapter for their captain. Alvarez has described Messi’s presence as both motivating and defining, while also emphasizing that Argentina now have enough depth and tactical flexibility to compete without over-reliance on one player. That point has been reinforced by results such as a dominant qualifying win over Brazil achieved without him.
Still, the global focus remains fixed on him. Alongside figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa, Messi’s sixth World Cup appearance stands as part of a rare convergence of longevity at the highest level, where past and present collide on the same stage.
Xavi Hernandez has been appointed coach of the Netherlands, taking charge of the Dutch national team on a four-year contract that will run through the 2030 World Cup.
The former Barcelona midfielder and coach succeeds Ronald Koeman, who resigned after the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco on penalties in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. The Dutch lost 3-2 in the shootout after a 1-1 draw in Guadalupe, Mexico, marking their earliest exit in 12 World Cup appearances.
Xavi, 46, will oversee the Netherlands through the 2028 European Championship and the 2030 World Cup. His first match is scheduled for Sept. 24, when the Dutch face Germany in the Nations League at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.
The appointment gives Xavi an opportunity to apply the football philosophy that defined much of his playing career to a national team with a long history of possession-based, attacking football.
“As someone who received his training at the Barcelona academy, with strong influences from Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, among others, I feel a special connection to Dutch football,” Xavi said.
“You could say that I am a bit of a son of Dutch football.”
Xavi said Dutch football’s emphasis on possession, creativity and attacking play closely matches his own approach.
“The Netherlands has a rich football culture and a clear vision that also appeals to me enormously: attacking football, based on possession, with creativity, passion, and conviction,” he said.
“Of course, the most important goal is and always will be to win, but I prefer to do so in a way that reflects those characteristics and that people can enjoy.”
Xavi’s appointment also carries a strong historical connection. He was heavily influenced by Dutch football during his development at Barcelona, where coaches such as Louis van Gaal and Frank Rijkaard helped shape his understanding of the game.
He also played a major role in one of the Netherlands’ most painful defeats. Xavi was in Spain’s midfield when the Dutch lost 1-0 after extra time in the 2010 World Cup final in Johannesburg, South Africa. He later helped Spain win the European Championship in 2012, adding to the continental title he won in 2008.
His club career with Barcelona was equally decorated. Xavi won eight La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies and made 767 appearances for the Catalan club, second only to Lionel Messi.
For much of that era, he formed one of football’s most celebrated midfield partnerships with Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets.
His coaching career has been considerably shorter.
Xavi’s first senior coaching job came at Al-Sadd in Qatar, where he spent two years before returning to Barcelona in November 2021. He guided Barcelona to the 2022-23 La Liga title but left the club in 2024 and has not held a head coaching position since.
Now, he inherits a Netherlands team trying to overcome a familiar problem: coming close without winning the biggest prizes.
The Dutch have reached three World Cup finals but lost each time, the most World Cup final defeats by a nation that has never won the tournament. Their only major international trophy remains the 1988 European Championship.
Netherlands football director Nigel de Jong believes Xavi’s playing and coaching background makes him a natural fit for the job.
“As a player alone, Xavi has experienced and won everything, with a World Cup, multiple national titles, and Champions League titles to his name,” de Jong said.
De Jong also pointed to Xavi’s education under coaches whose football philosophy closely resembles the Netherlands’ traditional style.
“As a coach, he has been shaped by years of working with top coaches who espouse a football vision that aligns very well with the way we want to play with the Dutch national team,” de Jong said. “Taking initiative, dominant and attractive football, combined with the flexibility that modern elite football demands.”
Xavi now has the chance to bring those principles to a national team that has often been associated with attractive football but has struggled to turn that style into major international success.
As a player, he was part of the Spain team that transformed from perennial underachievers into one of the dominant sides of his generation, winning three consecutive major international tournaments between 2008 and 2012.
Lionel Messi made an emotional return to action Wednesday following the death of his father, but his comeback was not enough to save Inter Miami from a 3-2 loss to Mexico’s Leon that knocked the club out of the Leagues Cup.
The Miami captain flew back to Florida from Argentina on Tuesday night after attending his father Jorge’s funeral Sunday. He entered at halftime to a huge ovation from the home crowd.
Jorge Messi, who served as his son’s longtime agent and adviser, died last week at age 68.
Earlier Wednesday, Messi paid an emotional tribute to his father on social media, reflecting on his loss and acknowledging uncertainty over whether he wants to continue his football career.
“I don’t know what I’ll do without you, I don’t know how to go on,” Messi wrote.
“I just played football, and now I have serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer.”
Miami led 1-0, but two goals from Colombian Daniel Arcila fueled Leon’s comeback victory, making the Mexican club the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals of the tournament featuring MLS and Liga MX clubs.
Messi made himself available to Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos for the must-win final group-stage match after missing Saturday’s loss to Monterrey.
Yannick Bright, who scored one of Miami’s goals, called Messi’s return “incredible,” adding that he and his teammates simply wanted to support their captain.
“I wasn’t expecting it,” Bright said. “It shows how much he cares. When I saw he was here, all I was thinking about was to give my 150% for him.
“It’s a tough situation. We try to stay close to him and support him as much as we can, but it’s a lot.”
Brazilian teammate Casemiro, who joined Miami after the World Cup, said Messi was “an example for all of us” because of his commitment to playing during such a difficult personal time.
Leon coach Javier Gandolfi echoed those thoughts.
“Today he demonstrated once more what he’s made of,” Gandolfi said of Messi. “He is a human being that is different to the rest.”
It was the first time Miami had been knocked out in the opening phase since the Leagues Cup was expanded in 2023.
Miami lifted the trophy that year with Messi, shortly after he arrived at the Florida franchise alongside Spaniards Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
Miami reached the 2025 final but was beaten 3-0 by the Seattle Sounders, a match marked by a brawl after the final whistle that led to Luis Suarez being suspended for all of this year’s tournament.
The 2027 Spanish Super Cup will be played in Istanbul, bringing four of Spain’s biggest clubs to Türkiye for a six-day tournament in February.
The Spanish Football Federation announced Thursday that the competition will be held at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium from Feb. 2-7, 2027. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid will compete for the trophy in the four-team format.
Real Sociedad will face Real Madrid in one semifinal, while defending champion Barcelona will meet Atletico Madrid in the other. The two semifinal winners will advance to the final.
The move to Istanbul represents a temporary change of venue for a competition that has been staged in Saudi Arabia in recent years.
The 2027 tournament could not be held in Saudi Arabia because of a scheduling conflict with the Asian Cup, which the country is due to host in January and February 2027.
The Spanish federation, working with SELA, evaluated several bids before selecting Istanbul. Reports said locations including Miami and Qatar were among those considered.
Istanbul will become only the third country outside Spain to host the Spanish Super Cup, after Morocco and Saudi Arabia. The competition is expected to return to Saudi Arabia in 2028.
A major European venue
The Atatürk Olympic Stadium, in Istanbul’s Başakşehir district, has a capacity of about 77,500 and is one of Türkiye’s most prominent football venues.
The stadium has hosted two Champions League finals, including Liverpool’s dramatic comeback against AC Milan in 2005 and Manchester City’s victory over Inter Milan in 2023.
Its selection gives the Spanish Super Cup a high-profile European setting after several years in the Middle East.
The competition has been played as a four-team Final Four tournament since the 2019-20 season, bringing together the winners and runners-up of La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
The format has helped turn the Super Cup into a major international event, with the tournament broadcast in more than 150 countries.
Barcelona return as defending champions
Barcelona will arrive in Istanbul as the defending champions after beating Real Madrid 3-2 in the 2026 final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Raphinha scored twice and Robert Lewandowski also found the net for Barcelona, while Vinicius Junior and Gonzalo Garcia scored for Madrid.
The victory gave Barcelona a record-extending 16th Spanish Super Cup title and a second consecutive championship.
Barcelona now face Atletico Madrid in the 2027 semifinals, while Real Madrid will meet Real Sociedad.
A Barcelona-Real Madrid final would set up another El Clasico on Turkish soil, although both teams must first win their respective semifinal matches.
A boost for Spanish football
The Spanish federation has highlighted the Super Cup’s growing international reach and its financial importance to Spanish football.
Revenue generated by the competition contributes to the wider football structure in Spain, supporting clubs across the men’s and women’s game at different levels.
Taking the 2027 edition to Istanbul allows the federation to maintain that international reach while working around the crowded 2027 football calendar.
For Istanbul, the tournament adds another major international football event to a city that has established itself as a regular host of elite European competition.
Second-seeded Elena Rybakina rallied from a set and a break down to defeat Naomi Osaka 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in their Canadian Open quarterfinal in Toronto on Tuesday.
The 2022 Wimbledon and 2026 Australian Open champion will face fourth-seeded Coco Gauff in the semifinals after the American advanced when Belinda Bencic withdrew with a hip injury.
In the first tour-level meeting between Osaka and Rybakina, the Japanese star made a fast start, breaking in the opening game and maintaining her advantage to take the first set.
The four-time Grand Slam champion then surged to a 4-2 lead in the second set, but Rybakina rallied and prevailed in a tiebreaker to force a deciding set.
In the third set, Rybakina saved four break points before breaking Osaka’s serve in back-to-back games to seize control and seal the victory in 2 hours, 33 minutes.
“This first game of the match was really tough because it cost me the set,” Rybakina said. “In the second I was just trying to stay closer to the score, even if I’m losing.
“It’s rare when you don’t play some players for so many years you’re on tour. She’s a great champion. She’s a fighter. I knew it would be a tough match.”
Earlier Tuesday, Gauff advanced without striking a ball after Bencic withdrew from their quarterfinal, giving the American more time to fine-tune her game ahead of the U.S. Open.
The 2023 U.S. Open champion is into the 16th WTA 1000 semifinal of her career as the 22-year-old chases her first title of the year.
Gauff finished runner-up in Miami and Rome before her Wimbledon campaign ended in a tight semifinal defeat. She has introduced new tactical elements to her game and has looked strong in Toronto, where she has not dropped a set.
The only previous meeting between Gauff and Rybakina also came in Toronto, where the American won in three sets in 2022.
Fenerbahçe are closing in on the signing of Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku after reaching an agreement with Napoli on the transfer and personal terms with the 33-year-old forward.
Lukaku is expected to travel to Istanbul to complete his medical examination before signing a two-year contract with the Turkish club, according to reports in Türkiye and Italy.
Reports on Wednesday indicated that only Lukaku’s signature remained before the transfer could be completed.
The Belgian striker is expected to arrive in Istanbul on Wednesday or Thursday to undergo medical checks and then sign the official contract.
Fenerbahçe have reportedly agreed to pay Napoli an initial fee of slightly more than 6 million euros, with the package potentially rising by several million euros through performance-related bonuses and other incentives.
Transfer reports from Italy and Türkiye have also indicated that Lukaku has agreed to personal terms, with his annual earnings expected to be in the range of 8 million to 10 million euros, depending on how bonuses and other elements of the deal are calculated.
The move would bring an end to Lukaku’s two-year spell at Napoli. He joined the Italian club permanently from Chelsea in 2024 for a reported fee of about 30 million euros and helped Napoli win the Serie A title in the 2024-25 season.
His second season in Naples was far less productive, however, with recurring muscle and thigh problems limiting his appearances and affecting his contribution.
For Fenerbahçe, the deal represents a major addition to an attack already being built around high-profile players and ambitions of competing on multiple fronts.
Lukaku brings a physical presence that few forwards in the Süper Lig can match. At 1.91 meters, he offers strength, aerial ability, hold-up play and a proven scoring record, while his experience in the Premier League, Serie A and European competitions could prove valuable as Fenerbahçe pursue success at home and in Europe.
The Belgium international remains his country’s all-time leading scorer, with 93 goals in 132 appearances as of mid-2026. His club career has included spells at Anderlecht, Chelsea, West Bromwich Albion, Everton, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Roma and Napoli.
His most successful period came at Inter, where he played a central role in the club’s Serie A title-winning campaign in 2020-21. He has also enjoyed prolific spells in England, particularly during his time at Everton.
Lukaku’s arrival would give Fenerbahçe another experienced option in a demanding season that includes the Süper Lig and European competition. The club are also pursuing Champions League qualification after advancing past Sturm Graz and moving into the playoff round against Lyon.
Fenerbahçe are scheduled to face Lyon in the playoff round, with the first leg in Istanbul later this month. Qualification for the Champions League league phase could have further implications for the club’s transfer plans.
The Yellow Canaries are also reportedly set to pursue a high-profile left winger if they qualify for the Champions League, suggesting the club’s transfer business may not end with Lukaku.
Beşiktaş will look to complete the job against Hradec Kralove on Thursday when the Czech side visits Istanbul for the second leg of their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie.
Beşiktaş hold a 1-0 advantage from last week’s first leg in the Czech Republic and will advance to the playoff round with a win or draw at Tüpraş Stadium.
The winner will move one step closer to the Europa League league phase, while the loser will continue its European campaign in the Conference League playoff round.
Semih Kılıçsoy gave Beşiktaş the advantage in the 80th minute last week, four minutes after coming off the bench. The visitors had already been reduced to 10 men when Kassoum Ouattara was sent off for a second yellow card in the 71st minute, but they defended their lead to secure a valuable away victory and another clean sheet.
The result continued Beşiktaş’s strong defensive start to their European campaign. They have not conceded in any of their three qualifying matches this season, having previously eliminated Midtjylland 3-0 on aggregate with clean sheets in both legs.
Another shutout in Istanbul would put Vincenzo Italiano’s side in a strong position to advance. Beşiktaş also have home-field advantage, having beaten Midtjylland 1-0 at home in the previous round.
With the Turkish Super Lig season set to begin Friday, Italiano can keep his attention on European competition and securing Beşiktaş’s place in the next round.
Hradec Kralove, however, will arrive in Istanbul knowing the first leg could easily have produced a different result.
The Czech side created four big chances and put nine shots on target, but goalkeeper Alexander Nübel made eight saves to preserve Beşiktaş’s narrow advantage.
Hradec responded at the weekend with a 2-1 victory over Banik Ostrava in the Czech First League, with Tom Slončík scoring both goals. The result gave David Horejš’s side seven points from its opening three league matches and offered a boost ahead of the difficult trip to Istanbul.
But Hradec now face a simple requirement: They must score if they are to keep their Europa League hopes alive. Beşiktaş have yet to concede in Europe this season, while Hradec are trying to reach the main stage of a UEFA competition for the first time since their appearance in the 1995-96 Cup Winners’ Cup.
European history
Thursday’s match will be Beşiktaş’s 262nd in European competition. The Turkish club have recorded 100 wins, 50 draws and 111 losses in their previous 261 matches, scoring 352 goals and conceding 395.
It will also be their 131st European home match. Beşiktaş have won 65, drawn 26 and lost 39 of their previous 130 games at home in UEFA competition, scoring 201 goals and conceding 150.
Against Czech opposition, Beşiktaş have won three of their seven previous meetings, along with one draw and three defeats.
Their first meeting with a Czech club came against Slavia Prague in the 2002-03 UEFA Cup. Beşiktaş won 4-2 at home before losing 1-0 away to advance on aggregate.
They faced Sparta Prague in the 2003-04 Champions League group stage, winning 1-0 in Istanbul before losing 2-1 in Prague. In the 2010-11 Europa League qualifying rounds, they defeated Viktoria Plzen 3-0 at home and drew 1-1 away.
Last week’s 1-0 victory over Hradec was their most recent meeting with a Czech opponent.
Team news
Beşiktaş have no fresh injury concerns following the first leg, but Ouattara is suspended after being sent off.
Kılıçsoy could be rewarded with a starting place after making an immediate impact off the bench in the Czech Republic. The forward replaced Vaclav Cerny in the 76th minute and scored the winning goal four minutes later.
Wilfred Ndidi is another player pushing for a starting role after coming on for Orkun Kökçü last week.
Hradec have a longer list of absentees. Tomas Wiesner and Jakub Kucera remain sidelined with knee injuries, while Tomas Petrasek is dealing with a calf problem.
Adam Binar, Viktor Zentrich and Juraj Chvatal are also unavailable. Adam Vlkanova remains doubtful as he continues to recover from illness.
Slončík will be one of Hradec’s biggest attacking threats after his two-goal performance against Banik Ostrava. Mick van Buren and Ondrej Mihalik are expected to provide support in attack.
What is at stake
If Beşiktaş eliminate Hradec, they will face Kauno Zalgiris of Lithuania in the Europa League playoff round.
Kauno Zalgiris reached the playoff round after losing both legs of their Champions League third qualifying-round tie against Dinamo Zagreb, 5-0 and 2-1.
If Beşiktaş fail to overcome Hradec, they will drop into the Conference League playoff round, where they would face Panathinaikos.
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