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Arsenal are unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions and sit pretty at the top of the Premier League table, boasting a 100 per cent record in the Champions League to boot.

Mikel Arteta answers Arsenal critics

There is a sentiment going around that the Gunners have adopted a ‘boring style of play’, but as long as they get the job done, Mikel Arteta won’t be in the least bit bothered.

Besides, this ongoing narrative is in stark contrast to their imperious win over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League last Wednesday, and club legend Paul Merson was quick to note that nobody blows away Diego Simeone’s side like Arsenal did that night.

Four goals inside just 14 minutes cemented what was a statement three points for Arteta’s men, and summer signing Viktor Gyokeres silenced his own doubters with a quick-fire brace to end his barren run without scoring.

The result means Arsenal still haven’t lost a single game in all competitions since their narrow defeat at Anfield in late August, and even that was down to a sumptuous late free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai which David Raya could do nothing about.

The catalyst for Arsenal’s amazing run has undoubtedly been their rock-solid defence, which has leaked the fewest goals of any Premier League side, with just three scored past them in nine top flight games.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Much to pundit Jamie O’Hara’s detest, who said last week that Arsenal are “killing” the Premier League with their guerrilla tactics, the north Londoners have proved a constant menace through dead balls and long-throws — which have acted as a secret weapon that no opponent can match.

Gabriel already has four goal contributions as a direct result of corners and free-kicks, bagging a header against Atlético and setting up Gyokeres for his second, and teams barely have an answer to the Brazilian’s constant set piece threat.

It’s been a very promising start to 25/26, and their excellent Champions League run has now forced Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher into a U-turn.

Jamie Carragher admits he got one thing very wrong about Arsenal

Speaking live on CBS Sports last week, analysing Arsenal’s win over Atlético, Carragher admitted that Arsenal are now one of the favourites to win the competition — despite previously saying they’re not a Champions League team.

After a summer of lavish spending, where Andrea Berta splashed nearly £270 million on eight major signings, the pressure is on Arteta to end the club’s two-decade-long wait for a league title.

Arsenal’s water-tight defence has formed the backbone for what could well be a successful challenge after years of near-misses, with both Gabriel and Saliba privately promising to remain at the club for years to come last summer.

With David Raya, who’s won back-to-back Golden Glove awards, commanding his area and defenders who don’t give an inch, Arsenal are proving they can grind out results when it matters most.

That kind of steel is exactly what you need to win a marathon like the Premier League, where every point counts and slip-ups are severely punished, with Arteta’s looking like real favourites for the crown as things stand.

Jeh’s appearances for Australia A triggered an automatic upgrade to a state deal

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jul-2025

Zanden Jeh in action against Sri Lanka A•Cricket Australia

Left-arm spinner Zanden Jeh, who played for Australia A before having appeared at state level, and allrounder Hayden Kerr have earned Queensland contracts for the 2025-26 season.Jeh, 22, was a shock selection for the series against Sri Lanka A in the Top End having never made a domestic appearance. He earned his List A debut in the third one-day game before featuring in both four-day matches where he claimed four wickets.His appearances for Australia A triggered automatic elevation to a state contract meaning he will be on Queensland’s books for the upcoming season.Kerr, meanwhile, was dropped from the New South Wales list earlier this year and has been signed on a two-year deal to take the place of Ben McDermott who was released from his contract a year early having requested to return to Tasmania for personal reasons.Kerr, 29, a right-handed batter and left-arm seamer, has made nine first-class appearances and played 13 List A matches. He has been a regular for Sydney Sixers in the BBL although currently remains uncontracted ahead of next season.”We are very excited to have Zanden on our list after he narrowly missed out on a contract this season,” Joe Dawes, QC’s general manager of elite cricket, said. “He no doubt learnt a lot and performed really well in Darwin, and I know the coaches are excited at having him in and around the group fulltime.”With Liam Guthrie relocating to England, Hayden will reinforce our pace bowling depth and add his left-arm variety to the squad. He’s a talented all-round cricketer who has had a few injury setbacks in the past, so we’re excited to provide an environment for him to showcase his skill.”Queensland Men’s squadLachy Aitken (rookie), Tom Balkin (rookie), Xavier Bartlett (CA), Max Bryant, Hugo Burdon, Jack Clayton, Lachlan Hearne, Zanden Jeh, Hayden Kerr, Usman Khawaja (CA), Marnus Labuschagne (CA), Angus Lovell, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Jem Ryan (rookie), Matthew Renshaw, Gurinder Sandhu, Jack Sinfield, Mark Steketee, Tom Straker, Mitch Swepson, Callum Vidler, Hugh Weibgen, Tom Whitney, Jack Wildermuth

She picked up 3 for 23 and then hit a crucial 14 not out in a rain-curtailed chase to maintain Hurricanes’ clean slate

AAP20-Nov-2025Heather Graham helped send Hobart Hurricanes two wins clear at the top of the WBBL table, leading them to a rain-marred six-wicket win over Melbourne Renegades.Initially set 156 by the second-placed Renegades, Hurricanes’ innings was delayed twice by rain and lightning before they reached an adjusted target of 106 with an over to spare.Graham was the star of the show, bagging 3 for 23 with the ball to halt Renegades’ momentum before striking a crucial unbeaten 14 in the chase at North Sydney Oval. Nicola Carey also struck 39 from 29 balls for Hurricanes, while Elyse Villani hit 12 runs from four balls to seal the match.One of only two clubs not to have lifted the WBBL, Hurricanes are now five-from-five to start the season with their batting firing.”We’ve got real clarity about us,” captain Villani said. “We have lots of options with bat and ball so we’re spoiled for choice. And I don’t think anyone feels like it is solely up to them, so it’s a real shared load.”Earlier a bizarre missed run-out had threatened to sink Hurricanes, after Georgia Wareham’s 41 from 26 balls rescued the defending-champions Renegades from 23 for 3.Wareham was initially given run-out for six, only for Hurricanes wicketkeeper Lizelle Lee to concede she had dropped the ball. Wareham then took control of the innings in a 56-run fourth-wicket stand with England’s Alice Capsey (37). The pair hit 39 in the two-over power surge, with Wareham cutting and pulling four boundaries and a six off the first five balls of a Hayley Silver-Holmes over.But when Wareham skied the last ball of Silver-Holmes’ over and was caught, Renegades failed to post the total they should have.

Du Plessis has 154 IPL appearances and has won two titles with Chennai Super Kings

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Nov-2025Former South Africa batter Faf du Plessis has opted not to put his name in the IPL 2026 auction, choosing instead to play the Pakistan Super League (PSL).”After 14 seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name into the auction this year. It’s a big decision, and one that comes with a lot of gratitude when I look back,” du Plessis wrote in a statement on his social media handles.”This league has been a massive part of my journey. I’ve been lucky to play with world-class teammates, for amazing franchises, and in front of fans whose passion is like nothing else. India has given me friendships, lessons, and memories that have shaped me as a cricketer and as a person.”Related

RR trade Samson to CSK for Jadeja and Curran

Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk on Delhi Capitals' release list

IPL 2026: How the squads stack up ahead of the auction

Du Plessis, who has 154 IPL appearances, did not rule out a return to the competition in the future.”Fourteen years is a long time, and I’m proud of what this chapter has meant to me. India has a special place in my heart, and this certainly isn’t goodbye – you’ll see me again,” he said.”This year, I’ve chosen to take on a new challenge and will be playing in the upcoming PSL season,” du Plessis said. “It’s an exciting step for me – a chance to experience something new, to grow as a player, and to embrace a league filled with incredible talent and energy. A new country. A new environment. A new challenge. I’m looking forward to the Pakistan hospitality.”ESPNcricinfo LtdIn IPL 2025, du Plessis made 202 runs from nine games for Delhi Capitals, and even captained the team in two games when their regular captain Axar Patel was injured. However, he was released by the franchise ahead of the auction.Overall, du Plessis is the fourth-highest run-scorer among overseas players in the IPL. Apart from DC, he has played for Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rising Pune Supergiants, winning the title twice with CSK.Du Plessis has played in the PSL before, making six appearances between 2019 and 2021 for Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators.While the IPL season will be played between March and May, it overlaps with the PSL, which is scheduled between April and May.

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Com Luis Zubeldía nas tribunas do Antônio Accioly, o São Paulo venceu o Atlético-GO por 3 a 0, em duelo válido pela terceira rodada do Brasileirão. Calleri, Luciano, de pênalti, e Ferreirinha anotaram os gols da partida. O Dragão teve dois jogadores expulsos no segundo tempo.

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➡️A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta!

Com o resultado, o Tricolor conquista seus primeiros pontos no Brasileirão e deixa a zona do rebaixamento. Já o Dragão segue zerado e ocupa o penúltimo lugar. Veja no vídeo abaixo a análise de Rafael Marson, repórter do Lance!, sobre o duelo entre São Paulo e Atlético-GO.

➡️ Siga o Lance! São Paulo no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Tricolor

O próximo compromisso do São Paulo será na quinta-feira (25), contra o Barcelona-EQU, pela fase de grupos da Libertadores. O jogo será a estreia de Zubeldía no comando do Tricolor. O Atlético-GO volta a campo no domingo (28), contra o Internacional.

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✅FICHA TÉCNICA
Atlético-GO 0 x 3 São Paulo
3ª rodada – Série A Brasileirão

Data e horário: domingo, 21 de abril de 2024, às 18h30 (de Brasília)
Local: Estádio Antonio Accioly, em Goiânia (GO)
Onde assistir: Premiere
Árbitro: Bráulio da Silva Machado
Assistentes: Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Correa e Thiaggo Americano Labes.

GOLS: Calleri, Luciano e Ferreirinha

➡️ Veja tabela com datas e horários dos jogos do Brasileirão

⚽ESCALAÇÕES

Atlético-GO: Ronaldo; Bruno Tubarão, Luiz Felipe, Pedro Henrique e Guilherme Romão; Rhaldney, Baralhas e Shaylon; Emiliano Rodríguez, Alejo Cruz e Luiz Fernando. Técnico: Jair Ventura.

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São Paulo: Rafael; Arboleda, Diego Costa e Alan Franco; Igor Vinícius, Pablo Maia, Alisson, Luciano e Welington; André Silva e Calleri. Técnico: Milton Cruz (interino).

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Atlético GoianienseBrasileirãoSão Paulo

Jamie Carragher has taken aim at Thierno Barry and another Everton star, following the 1-1 draw against Sunderland on Monday night.

David Moyes made a very positive start after returning to Merseyside, and signed off at Goodison Park on a high note by defeating Southampton 2-0, but his side have failed to really kick on this season, having collected just 12 points from ten Premier League games.

As things stand, the Toffees aren’t in any imminent danger of suffering relegation, given that they remain five points clear of the bottom three, but there are some signs they could be drawn into a battle for survival.

Perhaps most concerningly, summer signing Barry hasn’t hit the ground running at striker, failing to score in the opening ten top-flight matches, and the Frenchman’s performance against the Black Cats left a lot to be desired.

The 23-year-old was hooked before the hour mark after missing one big chance and touching the ball just 19 times, squandering the majority of the passes he attempted.

Carragher takes aim at Barry after Sunderland

Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher has now claimed that Moyes needs to sign a new centre-forward in the summer transfer window, given that Barry and Beto aren’t up to the required standard.

The former Liverpool defender said: “Everton need to find a striker, what they’ve got right now is not good enough, and that reason alone could mean that between now and the end of the season they are looking over their shoulders in terms of staying in the Premier League.

“So, they’ve got new owners – obviously a lot better than what they’ve had before, but that is the one glaring position that Everton need to fill in January. They have to find somebody.”

It would be somewhat surprising Barry was even given nearly an hour against Sunderland, but his back-up option has also struggled to get on the scoresheet on a regular basis ever since his arrival at Everton, with the Guinnea-Bissau international bagging 17 goals in 83 games.

Beto’s goalscoring form

PL appearances

Goals

2023-24

30

3

2024-25

30

8

2025-26

10

1

Indeed, the 27-year-old has found it difficult to get to grips with life in the Premier League, and Carragher is correct in his assessment that Everton should pursue a new striker in the January transfer window.

Interestingly, the Toffees have now emerged as potential suitors for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, with it being revealed a shock cut-price deal for the Serbian could be a possibility.

Iliman Ndiaye moving to centre-forward may also be an option, with the winger showing a keen eye for goal this season, finding the back of the net four times in ten Premier League outings.

Everton also eyeing Nicolas Jackson alongside Dusan Vlahovic Everton now eyeing Nicolas Jackson as Bayern Munich maintain £70m stance

The German giants have made their choice.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 1, 2025

The Los Angeles Dodgers are placing third baseman Max Muncy on the injured list with a bone bruise in his left knee, the team announced Thursday.

Muncy heads to the IL after Chicago White Sox outfielder Michael A. Taylor attempted to steal third base and collided with Muncy's lower leg during Wednesday's 5-4 Dodgers win. Muncy tagged Taylor out, but went down clutching his knee and had to limp off the field with assistance from athletic trainer Thomas Albert.

Muncy told reporters Thursday that he is expected to miss about six weeks with the injury.

“It was tough news, but it was also great news in terms of when you look at the play and the injury that could have happened, we possibly got best case scenario,” said Muncy. “There’s no structural damage in there, which is huge. That was definitely a pleasant relief, but the timetable still kind of sucks for me personally. … It was a tough blow, but at the same time, I still get to play baseball this year instead of coming back next year around April.”

The two-time MLB All-Star, who is in his ninth season with the Dodgers organization, was in the middle of a strong campaign before going down with the injury, slashing .250/.375/.457 with 13 home runs and 55 RBIs this season.

With Muncy out for the foreseeable future, the Dodgers are calling up outfielder Esteury Ruiz in a corresponding move. Ruiz, who the Dodgers acquired from the Athletics earlier this season, has spent this season in the minor leagues, but previously led the American League in stolen bases in 2023. Ruiz is slashing .292/.394/.458 with eight home runs, 37 RBIs, and 38 stolen bases for Triple-A Oklahoma City this year,

Tottenham loanee Randal Kolo Muani has reportedly been training in a specially fitted mask ahead of the north London derby against Arsenal. During Spurs' 2-2 draw with Manchester United earlier this month, the striker suffered a fractured jaw following a clash with Harry Maguire. However, after the Paris Saint-Germain man did not need to have surgery, Tottenham are doing all they can to give him a chance of facing the Gunners this weekend.

Kolo Muani to follow in Kane's footsteps?

Kolo Muani was withdrawn at half time following the coming together with Maguire, with head coach Thomas Frank later saying: "He actually struggled a little bit but nothing big." Initial suggestions were that the France international could miss up to eight weeks with this injury but last week, news emerged that he did not require surgery. The Telegraph is now reporting that he has trained in a mask he had fitted to help protect his jaw. It is not yet known if he will be okay to face Arsenal at The Emirates on Sunday afternoon. If the forward does return to the field soon, he could take after ex-Spurs striker Harry Kane when he wore a mask after breaking his nose, before scoring a truly world-class goal in a 2-2 draw with the Gunners.

AdvertisementKolo Muani failing to fire at Tottenham

On September 1, Kolo Muani joined Tottenham on loan for the 2025/26 season, sparking a great deal of excitement among Spurs fans. He has featured eight times in all competitions for the north London team but is yet to get off the mark. Tottenham supporters will be hoping he can recapture the form he showed at Juventus last season, where he notched 10 goals in 22 games. 

Getty Images SportWhy Tottenham signed Kolo Muani

In the final day of the summer transfer window, Tottenham snapped up the Frenchman for the season as they sought to add more firepower to their attack. With Dominic Solanke and Richarlison often struggling with injuries and being somewhat goal-shy, the loan move seemed a savvy deal. Following the move, Frank said the 26-year-old gave their frontline something a bit different.

"Randal is a quality player who has proven himself over a number of years, playing for big teams in the Champions League and also with good experience for the France national team," Frank said of his latest addition in early September. "He's a good age, in the prime of his career, has good qualities that will suit both us and the Premier League, and gives us a different option in the final third being able to play out wide and through the middle."

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What comes next for Tottenham?

Tottenham sit fifth in the Premier League with 18 points from 11 matches. Next up, they travel to bitter rivals Arsenal on Sunday, who sit four points clear at the top of the table. A win will boost their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League, but a loss could leave them languishing behind their neighbours.

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O técnico do Vasco, Ramón Diaz, fez comentário machista ao reclamar da arbitragem após a derrota do Vasco para o Bragantino, por 2 a 1, nesta quarta-feira, fora de casa, pela segunda rodada do Brasileirão. O técnico argentino disse que é “complicado que quem decida no VAR seja uma mulher”, em referência à partida do último domingo, contra o Grêmio.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Gigante agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Vasco

Com respeito aos árbitros, não podemos falar muito. Na última partida, o VAR foi uma senhorita, uma mulher, e foi pênalti. Me parece complicado que no VAR quem tenha que decidir seja uma mulher. Porque o futebol é tão dinâmico, com ações tão rápidas. Hoje não sei se o árbitro também não viu o lance, que me pareceu pênalti. O Vasco está crescendo, competimos

---

disse Ramón Díaz.

No lance reclamado por Ramón, Galdames teria sofrido pênalti do zagueiro Rodrigo Ely, do Grêmio. A responsável pelo VAR na partida, Daiane Muniz, inicialmente recomendou a marcação da falta, mas voltou atrás.

TÉCNICO E VASCO SE DESCULPAM
Antes de deixar o estádio, o treinador reuniu os jornalistas para se retratar. O argentino afirmou que foi mal interpretado.

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– Quero pedir desculpas, mas me pareceu que o que quis dizer é que uma só pessoa não pode decidir e ter uma decisão tão importante para o futebol como é o VAR. Se interpretaram mal, peço desculpas, mas não foi minha intenção – corrigiu.

Horas depois, foi a vez do Vasco se manifestar. O clube lamentou a declaração e garantiu que reforçará “medidas e diretrizes educativas”.

🎙️ MAIS RESPOSTAS DE RAMÓN DÍAZ:

ANÁLISE DO JOGO
– O primeiro gol foi um gol meio de sorte deles, não com muita criação, mas um gol meio raro, meio difícil. Mas depois o Vasco reagiu, tivemos uma atitude incrível. Nós fomos buscar, pressionamos, atacamos bem, criamos situações. Inclusive chegamos ao gol com jogada muito boa, boa criação. Eu acho que estamos analisando bem que o Vasco vai crescer. Está crescendo, está crescendo em sua forma, em seu estilo. Nós estamos felizes porque nós competimos muito bem.

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– No segundo gol deles, recuamos e não pressionamos. Ele teve muita facilidade para finalizar. Se tivéssemos feito Temos coisas que temos que melhorar. E em relação à arbitragem, já falei, é difícil. Porque o VAR toma decisões. Na última rodada, foram muitos erros de arbitragem. Isso tem que melhorar.

TRANQUILIDADE DA EQUIPE
– Falta a equipe jogar mais tranquila, a nossa equipe deve jogar mais tranquila, mais relaxada, jogar competindo mais. Temos muito caminho pela frente, mas temos que conseguir pontos. Não gosto de perder, gosto de conseguir os resultados. Principalmente na largada do campeonato. Temos que conseguir os resultados do início.

JOVENS DA BASE
– Agora incorporamos alguns jovens e com certeza vai ajudar muito. Estamos trabalhando com muitos jovens e o time tem a possibilidade também de provar alguns jogadores. Rayan, Adson, todos os garotos jovens que estão fazendo sua experiência e vêm bem também para o futuro. Com certeza estou muito feliz porque, por mais que seja numa derrota, se analisarmos bem os dois gols, fomos bastante azarados. Principalmente no segundo gol, Maicon pega na cabeça, se desvia e vai para o gol. Não é que eles tenham criado situações para ganhar e acho que era o momento melhor do Vasco no jogo.

RAYAN
– Nós vimos que íamos ter vantagem e tínhamos que ser mais profundos tanto na direita quanto na esquerda. O Lucas Piton estava muito bem, o Paulo Henrique também, cruzamos muito hoje, tínhamos muitas situações. E pedi que ele (Rayan) ficasse de ponta porque precisávamos, na recuperação que tínhamos, ser profundo e chegar ao gol. Por isso os jogadores ficaram felizes, nós também. A lástima foi no final. No final, depois do gol, o Vasco tinha que seguir insistindo, buscar o gol, não retroceder tanto, ter um pouco mais de força no meio. Todas essas coisas nós vamos corrigir.

JOÃO VICTOR
– Tomou golpe forte no joelho e era momento em que não poderíamos arriscar. Temos que ter o jogador com 100%, com tudo, para que possamos seguir no jogo. Mas está bem.

HUGO MOURA
– É um jogador de meio de campo. Tivemos a lesão de Paulinho e de Jair. Necessitamos reforçar ali no meio. Estamos felizes porque ele veio e seguramente nos vai ajudar. Ele vai ter que se adaptar ao nosso estilo, à nossa forma de trabalho. Ele é um jogador de características que nós gostamos. Então, nos vamos ajudar para que ele renda e faça um bom campeonato.

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Ramón DíazVasco

Lionel Messi has aired his 2026 World Cup “hope”, with there still a chance that he will grace that competition, but has ruled himself out of a meeting with Spain and Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal in the next Finalissima. Argentina are hoping to have their talismanic captain available for the defence of a global title next summer, but will be without him if a clash with the reigning champions of Europe is confirmed.

• Getty
  

  Medal collection complete: Messi claimed global title in 2022

  Messi inspired his country to World Cup glory at Qatar 2022, allowing his historic medal collection to be completed. The all-time great is now 38 years of age and plying his club trade in the United States with MLS Cup finalists Inter Miami.

  He has conceded that a winter break may leave him short on sharpness for FIFA’s flagship event next summer, with MLS action resuming in the spring, but has stopped short of telling national team boss Lionel Scaloni that he will not be available.

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• Will Messi play at the 20206 World Cup?

  Quizzed again on whether he intends to grace another World Cup, Messi told : “I hope I can be there. I've said before that I'd love to be there. At worst, I'll be there watching it live, but it will be special. The World Cup is special for everyone, for any country – especially for us, because we live it in a completely different way.”

  He went on to say of piecing together plans for another shot at football’s ultimate prize: “The truth is we've been talking about it. He [Scaloni] understands, and we've discussed it a lot. He always tells me that he would like me to be there in any role. We have a relationship of great trust and we can talk about everything.”

• Getty/GOAL
  

  Finalissima 2026: Messi to skip potential clash with Yamal

  While Messi is expected to form part of Argentina’s World Cup squad, he is likely to miss a showdown with Spain – who have 18-year-old sensation Yamal at their disposal – which has been pencilled in for late March 2026.

  Asked if he will play in Finalissima, Messi – who captured that trophy back in 2021 when beating Italy at Wembley – said: “No, to be honest, no. It's not even confirmed if it will be played. They don't even know if it will happen. But being honest, having a pre-season in the middle changes everything for me.

  “It's like starting a new season from scratch, and having a pre-season in the middle will help me a lot because European players arrive to finals with a ton of matches in their legs, like always. Except for Qatar, which was midseason, and many felt better because they had less load. I think the same will happen to me.”

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• Back-to-back: Can Argentina defend World Cup crown?

  Whether Messi figures or not, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner concedes that Argentina will find it difficult to go back-to-back in the World Cup-winning stakes. He said of that challenge: “I think we have a great group and we're going to try again. After that, small details can leave you out.

  “Any national team can complicate things, you hit the post and you're out, or you lose on penalties. Even though we won on penalties, we were superior in the game against the Netherlands and against France, and still ended up going to penalties. We had the beast, [goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez] 'Dibu', who helped us win, but you can also go to penalties and lose.

  “It's very difficult to win a World Cup. It's something that is lived differently: as a spectator, as a player, and as a fan. Now, seeing the group, I'm sure they will fight. Winning took a huge weight off our shoulders. Playing without that pressure is a relief, but at the same time it doesn't guarantee anything, because everyone wants to beat the world champion. There are very good national teams — Spain, France again, England, Brazil, who haven't been champions for a while and want to win again, and also Germany.”

  Argentina will discover their 2026 World Cup group stage opponents when that draw takes place on Friday. Messi will be an interested observer there, as he readies himself for an MLS Cup final showdown with Vancouver on Saturday.