Guillem Balague examines how the Argentina squad is built around Lionel Messi as they prepare to play against England in the World Cup semi-finals.

As part of our buildup to the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, we are publishing excerpted chapters from The Soccer 100, The Athletic’s definitive book on the 100 greatest players of all time, courtesy of HarperCollins ...

It was a day for football's biggest names. But even amid so much star quality, Lionel Messi still took top billing. But this was no supporting act, this was the main show. The Messi show. His first World Cup hat-trick, a record-equalling 16th World Cup ...

Lionel Messi’s journey from humble beginnings in Rosario, Argentina to the greatest soccer player the world has ever seen has been anything but straightforward. From being diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child, to signing for Barcelona on ...

Harry Kane says Lionel Messi is 'one of the best players ever for a reason' following England's semifinal loss to Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As Lionel Messi and his teammates went to thank the Argentina fans who came to the team's 3-0 win over Algeria, they went to the north end of the field at Arrowhead Stadium, where Messi had just scored two of his three goals.

Spain once wanted Lionel Messi over 20 years ago. Now, the reigning European champions must stop him in what could be his final World Cup game for Argentina.