The Messi and Yamal photo from 2007 has taken over social media as both players gear up to represent respective countries in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final
The remarkable thing about Lionel Messi is no longer that he can produce moments of magic. It is that the football world has come to expect them even when logic suggests otherwise.
Fifa plans an 11-minute half-time show at MetLife Stadium, raising concerns over player readiness, lost momentum and restarting the Spain-Argentina final at 12:30 am IST on July 20.
Broadcasters are not explicitly ordered to show the Fifa president, but a compulsory global feed, dignitary-shot rules and Fifa's stake in its producer keep Gianni Infantino on screens worldwide
Anthony Gordon put England within sight of their first World Cup final since 1966, but Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez struck late as Argentina's control and Messi's creativity turned semifinal
Argentina could face a fine after players displayed a Falklands banner, but precedent suggests bans before the Spain final are unlikely unless Fifa treats the repeat offence as aggravated
With eight goals and four assists, Messi now leads the Golden Boot race, edging France captain Kylian Mbappe, who also has eight goals but only three assists.
While Argentina are chasing their second successive final appearance, the English side will be hoping for their first participation in the title decider since lifting the trophy back in 1966
Rodri controlled midfield, Lamine Yamal forced the breakthrough and Pedro Porro finished a flowing move as Spain neutralised France's star-studded attack in a commanding 2-0 semifinal win
France vs Spain HIGHLIGHTS: Spain, with the help of goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro, beat France 2-0 to deny Les Blues a third straight World Cup final appearance
Luis de la Fuente's side has grown stronger with every match in North America, combining defensive solidity with timely attacking contributions from across the squad.
A minute-by-minute breakdown of all 100 matches in Fifa World Cup 2026 reveals which teams controlled their games, who spent them chasing, and who staged comebacks.
France and Spain have a combined squad value of $3.137 billion, against $2.475 billion for England and Argentina. Yet England-Argentina semifinal tickets are priced higher than France-Spain.
