Argentina captain Lionel Messi dedicated his side's thrilling 2-1 FIFA World Cup semifinal victory over England to the late Diego Maradona, saying the football legend would have cherished the result. Argentina came from behind with late goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez, with Messi providing crucial assists to secure a place in the final against Spain. Reflecting on the historic rivalry with England, Messi called the victory "a gift for Maradona" and said he believed Diego was "enjoying this immensely from up there." The emotional tribute added greater significance to Argentina's remarkable comeback and World Cup journey. (PC: X)

England midfielder Jude Bellingham could face FIFA disciplinary scrutiny after appearing to slap Argentina substitute Valentin Barco on the back of the head following England's 2-1 defeat in the FIFA World Cup semi-final. The incident occurred after the final whistle as Argentina celebrated reaching the final, briefly sparking a confrontation between players from both teams. Barco had earlier celebrated Argentina's equaliser near England's players, though the reason for Bellingham's reaction remains unclear. FIFA could review the incident, but the act is more likely to be treated as unsporting behaviour rather than violent conduct, making a suspension less likely.

Prince William has praised England's players after their 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final. In a message shared by Kensington Palace, the Prince of Wales said he was "gutted" by the result but called England "the most complete England team in a tournament" and urged the players to "hold your heads high." Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed disappointment, saying the team made the nation proud with its passion and effort. England had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon before Argentina scored twice late in the match to reach the final. (PC: BBC)

Lionel Messi has dismissed claims that Argentina received favourable treatment during the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying, "No one gives us anything for free." After Argentina's 2-1 comeback win over England in the semi-final, Messi said the team had earned its place in the final through hard work and consistent performances. The Argentina captain also praised his teammates for showing resilience under pressure and said the defending champions had once again proved they belong among the world's best. Argentina will face Spain in the FIFA World Cup final as they chase a second straight title. (PC: The Indian Express)

Lionel Messi and Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal are set to meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, 19 years after a remarkable UNICEF charity photoshoot brought them together. In 2007, a 20-year-old Messi posed with baby Yamal during a Barcelona-based campaign, never imagining they would one day face each other on football's biggest stage. The photos resurfaced in 2024 after Yamal's father shared them online. Now, 39-year-old Messi leads defending champions Argentina, while Yamal heads Spain's new generation, setting up one of the most extraordinary full-circle stories in World Cup history. (PC: X)

Argentina's 2-1 victory over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final was overshadowed by a series of heated confrontations and physical challenges. The match saw 26 fouls and 4 yellow cards, making it one of the tournament's most aggressive contests. Tempers flared from the opening minutes, with players from both sides involved in repeated clashes, including exchanges between Jude Bellingham and Lionel Messi. After the final whistle, tensions continued as players confronted each other during Argentina's celebrations. Argentina also displayed a Falklands banner after the win, a political gesture that could lead to FIFA disciplinary action. (PC: X)

Argentina and Spain will contest the FIFA World Cup 2026 final in a symbolic clash between Lionel Messi and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Messi, 39, is aiming to become the first captain to win back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles, while 19-year-old Yamal has emerged as Spain's new superstar after breaking several teenage records. Both are products of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, representing two different generations. Their story, however, began long before football's biggest stage. In 2007, during a charity photoshoot at Camp Nou, Messi unknowingly bathed six-month-old Yamal in a plastic tub. Nineteen years later, the football icon and the youngster will face each other in the World Cup final. (PC: Yahoo)

England captain Harry Kane admitted he was "gutted" after the Three Lions suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semifinal, ending their hopes of reaching the final. Kane praised his teammates' commitment, saying they gave "everything, sweat, blood and whatever it is," but acknowledged England struggled to cope after taking the lead as Argentina piled on relentless pressure. He said repeated waves of attacks eventually proved decisive despite England's defensive efforts. The defeat has reignited speculation over Kane's international future ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Meanwhile, criticism has mounted over Thomas Tuchel's tactics, although the England manager defended his approach after the semifinal loss. (PC: FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing a complaint alleging breaches of political neutrality, with advocacy group FairSquare urging the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to investigate his ties to US President Donald Trump, Reuters reported. The complaint claims Infantino violated IOC rules on multiple occasions, including his alleged role in overturning a one-match suspension for US striker Folarin Balogun, enabling him to play against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on July 6. Trump has publicly admitted intervening to help Balogun become eligible and said he contacted Infantino. While Infantino acknowledged receiving Trump's call, he denied influencing FIFA's disciplinary process or the decision regarding Balogun's suspension. (PC: AP)

Argentina could face FIFA disciplinary action after players displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” following their FIFA World Cup semi-final victory over England. Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso held the banner before defender Nicolas Otamendi laid it on the pitch. The slogan refers to the Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory claimed by Argentina as the Malvinas, making it a politically sensitive issue. FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) prohibit political messages, slogans and symbols during matches and official celebrations. If the banner is deemed a political statement under competition rules, Argentina and/or the players involved could face sanctions from FIFA.