Argentina Players Honor Antonio Rattin with Black Armbands During World Cup Quarterfinal Against Switzerland Argentina’s national team players wore black armbands during their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal match against Switzerland on Saturday in Kansas City, a gesture of solidarity and remembrance. The armbands were worn on the right sleeves of the players as a tribute to Antonio Rattin, a former Argentina international who passed away earlier in the day. The decision to honor Rattin came just hours before the match, underscoring the emotional weight of the moment. Rattin, affectionately nicknamed “Rata” (Rat), was a legendary figure in Argentine football, known for his long and distinguished career with Boca Juniors. Over the course of 14 years, from 1956 to 1970, he made 382 appearances for the Buenos Aires club, scoring 28 goals and securing four league titles. His contributions to Boca Juniors were pivotal, as the club reached the 1963 Copa Libertadores final under his tenure. Rattin’s legacy extended beyond club success; he represented Argentina’s national team from 1959 to 1969, participating in two FIFA World Cup tournaments—1962 and 1966. His performances on the international stage solidified his status as a key player in Argentina’s football history. The tribute to Rattin was complemented by a minute’s silence observed before the start of the match, honoring Jayden Adams, a South Africa international who had participated in the World Cup but passed away shortly after returning home. Adams, who had represented his country in the tournament, was remembered for his contributions to the game and the impact he had on his teammates and fans.#world_cup_2026 #argentina_national_team #boca_juniors #antonio_rattin #switzerland_national_team
Lionel Messi Defies Age, Dominates 2026 World Cup at 39 ATLANTA — Lionel Messi said it himself last year. "Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it," Messi said when asked about a push toward the 2026 tournament. But very little about Messi is logical. Here he is, defying reason at the 2026 World Cup, tied atop the Golden Boot race at age 39, matching top stars in their prime. He remains the fulcrum of the Argentina team. The Albiceleste will go as far as the man born in 1987 takes them. Yet, it also is not easy for Messi to press on when most others have moved into coaching or media careers. As he stares down a round of 16 test against Egypt that could be his last World Cup match if Argentina isn't able to win, he is putting in considerable effort. "That’s what characterizes this World Cup, specifically, it’s very even, very tough, every game is going to be so tough," Messi said after a 3-2 win over Cape Verde, in which Argentina needed extra time to see off the African side. What is the Argentina national team saying about Messi's longevity? Lionel Scaloni is running out of ways to speak about Messi to the press, sometimes saying words are not enough to describe what he is seeing from his friend and biggest star. Ahead of Tuesday's match with Egypt, he simply gave a status update with a smile. "Leo, I think is good," he said. "He didn’t report any issue despite playing 120 minutes the other day at 39 years old. If he has something, he didn’t tell me, so he’ll play anyway!" When Messi does play, he often plays a full match, but his status for the tournament was thrown into doubt when he left his final club match before heading to the World Cup with an injury issue.#lionel_messi #inter_miami #rodrigo_de_paul #lionel_scaloni #argentina_national_team
Argentina's Scaloni Criticizes Hydration Breaks as Fragmenting World Cup Matches Lionel Scaloni, manager of the Argentina national team, has expressed concerns about the newly introduced hydration breaks during the FIFA World Cup, calling the measure disruptive to the flow of the game. Speaking to reporters ahead of Argentina’s upcoming match against Austria, Scaloni highlighted how the three-minute breaks, implemented in every match regardless of weather conditions, create a fragmented experience that could disadvantage stronger teams. The hydration breaks, part of FIFA’s initiative to prioritize player welfare, are scheduled midway through each half. Scaloni described the interruptions as “four quarters” of play, with only three-and-a-half minutes available between the time players leave the field and return for the second half. He emphasized that this limited window forces teams to make rapid adjustments, which he argued disrupts the natural rhythm of the game. “It fragments the game,” Scaloni said, noting that the breaks “give a hand to the weaker team because they have time to fix things and adjust.” Despite the intention to enhance player safety, Scaloni acknowledged the breaks are a necessary compromise. “It’s done to have more time,” he admitted, though he stressed that the current format feels “strange” and “unusual” for teams adapting to the new structure. He added that while the breaks might benefit the attacking side by allowing tactical corrections, the overall impact on match dynamics remains unclear. “Eventually, it will become the norm,” he said, suggesting that teams will grow accustomed to the interruptions over time. The hydration breaks have also sparked mixed reactions from fans.#fifa_world_cup #lionel_scaloni #argentina_national_team #group_j #at_t_t_Stadium
Argentina National Team Faces Final Squad Decisions Ahead of 2026 World Cup The Argentina national team is entering its final week of preparation before the 2026 World Cup, with two friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia serving as the last tests for coach Lionel Scaloni. These matches will be critical in determining the final 26-player squad, as the coach must resolve several key decisions across all positions. In goal, the competition for the third spot remains open. Emiliano Martínez is the confirmed starter, with Gerónimo Rulli as his backup. Juan Musso and Walter Benítez are vying for the final place, though Musso holds an edge due to his recent performances at Atlético de Madrid. Benítez, currently at Crystal Palace, is still in the running but faces an uphill battle. Defensive positions also see intense competition. At left center-back, Marcos Senesi and Facundo Medina are competing for a spot behind Nicolás Otamendi, with Lisandro Martínez sidelined due to injury. Senesi leads the race, but Medina’s versatility keeps him in contention. The left-back position is equally competitive, with Nicolás Tagliafico as the starter and Marcos Acuña, Gabriel Rojas, and Valentín Barco fighting for a roster spot. Rojas, in strong form at Racing, has added momentum to his case. Midfielders Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni are locked in a direct duel for a World Cup berth. Both are seeking their first major tournament appearance, but only one will make the final squad. Mastantuono’s performances at Real Madrid and Prestianni’s goal in Benfica’s last match before his return to the national team highlight their respective strengths. In attack, the competition for the third center-forward spot is between José Manuel López and Joaquín Panichelli.#lionel_scaloni #argentina_national_team #emiliano_martinez #geronimo_rulli #marcos_senesi
