Lionel Messi & Argentina Stun England Late in the Game to Reach FIFA World Cup Final

Posted on July 15, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates are one win away from a FIFA World Cup repeat.

The 39-year-old Argentine soccer superstar helped his team seal a dramatic semifinal comeback against England at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday with two goals in the closing minutes to clinch a 2-1 win and book a final clash with Spain on Sunday.

The reigning world champions, who won their third title in Qatar four years ago, looked set to be eliminated with England leading well into the dying stages following a second-half goal from Anthony Gordon.

But as so often in this tournament, Argentina responded and Enzo Fernández leveled the score with a stunning shot from 20 yards in the 85th minute.

Messi, who assisted the first goal, again played supplier for the second. His cross to the far post was met by substitute Lautaro Martínez, who headed the winning goal into the net from close range in the second minute of stoppage time.

“We are coming from being the best during these last four years like it or not and say what they want,” Messi said after the game. “Once again we proved it’s no fluke and nobody handed us anything. Reaching two consecutive World Cup finals is not for everyone and this group did it.”

Messi now has 10 assists in the World Cup knockout stage, six more than any other player in at least the past 60 years. And he has recorded a goal or assist in 11 straight World Cup games dating to 2022, extending the longest such streak since at least 1966.

The one to Martínez, though, could be the most important of his World Cup career should Argentina go on to lift the trophy again.

“This is incredible, it’s truly incredible,” Martínez said. “I dreamed it, I swear. I told Alexis [Mac Allister] I was going to score a goal; I told Facu Medina that I was going to come on and win the match.

“We stretched the team and went all-in. We got the goals in the end, and after 3½ years, we’re back in a World Cup final.”

England’s failure to hold onto their lead means the 1966 world champions’ wait for a second World Cup final appearance continues.

“We’re disappointed, we were so close, but we got too passive after we scored and conceded a lot of chances,” England coach Thomas Tuchel told the BBC. “We could not turn the ball possession around and then conceded so many crosses, chances and shots. We were close but couldn’t keep the level up after we scored.”

Argentina’s clash with Spain in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will be the first World Cup final between the reigning champions of Europe and South America, and the first time the two top teams in the FIFA rankings have contested the final since rankings were introduced in 1992.

It will be Argentina’s seventh World Cup final as they seek their fourth title and to join Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962) as only the third country to win back-to-back finals.

England will be left to face France in Saturday’s third-place game in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Mikel Oyarzabal & Spain Soundly Defeat France to Reach FIFA World Cup Final

Posted on July 14, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Mikel Oyarzabal has helped kick Spain straight into the FIFA World Cup finals.

The 29-year-old Spanish professional footballer’s first-half penalty goal helped Spain beat France 2-0 in their semifinal clash in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday to make it three wins in a row against their European heavyweight rival having beaten Les Bleus in the 2024 European Championship semifinals and the UEFA Nations League semifinals in 2025.

The win for Luis de la Fuente’s side also ended France’s dream of returning to the World Cup final for a third consecutive tournament — a feat achieved only by West Germany from 1982 to 1990 and Brazil from 1994 to 2002.

A first-half penalty from Oyarzabal and an early second-half strike by Pedro Porro staked Spain to a 2-0 lead as they played a near-perfect match against France to advance to a final against England or Argentina on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

“We gave it our all in order just to go through to the final,” Porro said after the game. “We knew that we’re a very tough team, we’re doing things really well. This is our team, it’s not about me.”

Trailing 1-0 at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) after Oyarzabal converted a penalty following a foul on Lamine Yamal in the area, France took another hit when center back William Saliba was forced off because of a back injury in the 30th minute and replaced by Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix.

The European Champions looked like a well-oiled machine as they were strong in possession of the ball and did a great job of limiting the impact of France stars Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé to take a 1-0 lead into the break.

Spain’s metronome throughout the game was central defender Rodri, who made decisive interventions and diffused threats from France, while always being steady on the ball in the middle of the field.

“It was a collective effort of everyone. Today we did best our best performance of the World Cup so far,” Rodri said after the game. “France is a very strong team and can punish you everywhere. But everyone [on Spain] rose to the level.

“I said it before. We are showing the character of being mature in big moments and this was the most important moment to wait for. Because in the big moments [France] will punish you, so the composure was the key.”

Spain were able to tie Italy for the most consecutive games without a loss at 37 and the nation’s second trip to a World Cup final to boot.

“It means a lot, because we have only been [to the final] twice in our history so we want to win the World Cup,” Rodri said. “We need to rest now and see what we can improve because we want to win the next one.”

France will play in the third-place game in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday, against the loser of Wednesday’s semifinal between England and Argentina.

Julian Alvarez & Lautaro Martinez Lead Argentina to FIFA World Cup Semifinals

Posted on July 11, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez have propelled Argentina into the FIFA World Cup semifinals.

The 26-year-old and 28-year-old world-class forwards for the Argentina national team scored deep in extra time to secure a dramatic 3-1 quarterfinal win over 10-man Switzerland on Saturday, setting up a heavyweight last-four clash against England in Atlanta on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina side kept alive their bid to become the ‌first team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962 with a victory that sparked pandemonium among the sea of sky-blue-and-white supporters and ended Switzerland’s fairytale run.

The Swiss had reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954, but fell one match short of an unprecedented semifinal appearance, suffering a major blow when Breel Embolo was sent off for diving in the 72nd minute.

The thriller looked headed for a shootout before Alvarez whipped a gorgeous long-range shot into the top corner in the 112th minute that Gregor Kobel at full-stretch had no chance of saving.

Martinez added a third for the holders nine minutes later when he calmly slotted home the rebound of Thiago Almada‘s shot.

“We’re used to ⁠suffering,” Almada said. “We come from being champions and now being among the top four is not easy at all. We want to chase glory and put Argentina at the very top.”

Alexis Mac Allister had given Argentina the lead in the 10th minute, meeting Messi’s corner at the front post with a flicked header that sailed beyond Kobel and into the far corner. It was the first time Switzerland had trailed in the tournament.

But the Swiss, without injured leading scorer Johan Manzambi, who had three goals and two assists, refused to wilt.

After a largely uneventful first half, the contest burst into life as Switzerland repeatedly tested Emiliano Martinez, forcing the Argentina goalkeeper into a string of sharp saves and jolting the South American supporters into full voice.

An equalizer felt almost inevitable as the Swiss piled on the pressure, and they were rewarded in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye exchanged passes with Ricardo Rodriguez down the left before sliding a right-footed finish through Martinez’s legs.

Ndoye snarled into the nearest television camera as the small section of Swiss fans erupted.

However, Switzerland were reduced to 10 men when Embolo got a second yellow card for simulation. It came after a lengthy VAR review for mistaken ‌identity, with ⁠the referee overturning his initial decision to caution Argentina’s Leandro Paredes.

The call left Swiss coach Murat Yakin livid.

“I know that (FIFA) will protect their referee, but this rule destroyed our game today, and it is incredibly painful,” he said. “And to be eliminated in that way hurts a lot. Unfortunately, we have to accept it.”

Embolo collapsed in tears and was consoled by teammates as he left the pitch.

“This team has so much passion. Despite the fact we were one man down, we gave it all. I’m extremely proud of everyone,” Swiss coach Murat Yakin said.

Argentina responded to Swiss misfortune by pinning them back for long periods. Cheered on by fans who made ⁠Arrowhead Stadium feel more like Buenos Aires than Kansas City, they surged forward as chants of “Vamos, vamos!” echoed around the venue.

Messi, playing in his sixth World Cup at the age of 39, nearly settled the contest in stoppage time with a fierce strike that flashed inches wide of the post.

Switzerland weathered wave after wave of pressure and appeared destined to force a shootout but their resistance was finally broken in the closing moments of ⁠extra time.

“We had to suffer a lot. We knew they were a physical team and that gave us a lot of trouble,” said Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni. “Today we had luck on our side because one of their players was sent off. We could have played better but it’s a big achievement to be in the semi-finals.”

The distraught Swiss dropped to their knees, consoling each other, while Argentina’s star-studded ⁠squad lingered on the pitch soaking up the atmosphere as Messi tugged off his shirt and twirled it above his head in front of the Argentina fans.

Wednesday’s semifinal will mark the first time England have faced Messi at a World Cup.

Dani Olmo Among Six Players Sharing Euro 2024 Golden Boot Award

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

It’s the golden hour for Dani Olmo…

The 26-year-old Spanish professional footballer, who plays for Bundesliga club RB Leipzig and the Spain national team, is among six players who’ve shared the Euro 2024 Golden Boot, having all scored three goals during the tournament.

Olmo is sharing the European Championships top-scorer prize with Harry Kane (England), Cody Gakpo (Netherlands), Georges Mikautadze (Georgia), Jamal Musiala (Germany) and Ivan Schranz (Slovakia) make up the congested leaderboard.

Olmo and Kane couldn’t pull clear of the pack with a goal in Sunday’s final which Spain won 2-1 against England.

UEFA confirmed on Friday that they would share the Euro 2024 Golden Boot between six players if Sunday’s final between England and Spain failed to produce a clear winner of the trophy.

It marked a change in policy for the tournament organizers who had previously awarded the prize to the player who had registered the most assists when more than one player were tied for goals scored.

At Euro 2020, Cristiano Ronaldo won the Golden Boot, though he had scored the same amount of goals as Czechia‘s Patrik Schick (5), the Portugal forward had also contributed one assist.

Three goals is the lowest tally for a Golden Boot winner since Euro 2012 when Fernando Torres (Spain), Mario Gomez (Germany) and Alan Dzagoev (Russia) all ended the tournament with three goals.

Torres was awarded the golden boot that year as he played fewer minutes than the other players who had scored three goals.

Olmo started just three of Spain’s seven matches at Euro 2024, before taking Barcelona midfielder Pedri‘s place in the team after he was injured in the quarterfinal victory over hosts Germany.

The RB Leipzig midfielder scored in all three of Spain’s matches in the knockout rounds before Sunday’s final.

Mikel Oyarzabal Scores Late Winner to Lead Spain to History-Making European Championship Title

Posted on July 14, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Mikel Oyarzabal is being heralded a hero after helping lead Spain to a historic title.

The 27-year-old Spanish professional footballer, who came into the game as a substitute, struck in the 87th minute to give Spain a dramatic 2-1 victory over England on Sunday in the European Championship final at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, helping lead his country to a record fourth Euro crown.

“Losing in a final is as tough as it gets,” said England captain Harry Kane. “We did really well to get back into the game but we didn’t quite keep the same intensity and pressure I guess. We couldn’t quite keep the ball and we got punished for it.”

After an extremely cautious first half in which Spain had more possession and their opponents got the only shot on target, it only took two minutes after the restart for the Spaniards to break the deadlock.

Yamal found space down the right and crossed for fellow winger Williams to slot home as England fell behind for the fourth successive match.

Spain then enjoyed a purple patch with a series of sharp attacks as England’s previously watertight defense fell apart and Dani Olmo, Morata and Williams all had good chances.

England boss Gareth Southgate reacted by sending on Ollie Watkins, the goal-scoring substitute hero of the semifinal, for an ineffective Kane after an hour, with Palmer, their most creative player for the past month, joining him 10 minutes later.

It paid off almost immediately when Jude Bellingham laid the ball back into Palmer’s path and the substitute curled home a precise low 20-meter shot in the 73rd minute.

The massed ranks of England fans, who vastly outnumbered their rivals, exploded, and the whole feel of the night changed.

Spain weathered the storm and a lapse of concentration saw England undone as Oyarzabal poked the ball home.

There was still time for more drama at the other end as Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón parried a Declan Rice header from a corner and Olmo blocked Marc Guehi’s follow up on the line.

Spain survived to add a fourth title to those won in 1964, 2008 and 2012 and became only the third team in the last nine Euros to win the trophy without coming through a shootout at some point in the tournament following France (2000) and Greece (2004).

Olga Carmona Scores Lone Goal to Give Spain Its First-Ever FIFA Women’s World Cup Title

Posted on August 20, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Olga Carmona will be receiving a hero’s welcome upon her return…

The 23-year-old Spanish professional footballer sealed Women’s World Cup glory for Spain in Sydney with a first-half goal that clinched a 1-0 victory against England.

Carmona had scored a stunning late goal in the 2-1 semifinal win against Sweden, and the left-back struck again to claim Spain’s first women’s world title.

European champions England had gone into the game as slight favorites, having beaten Spain on the way to winning Euro 2022 last year.

And the Lionesses went close to opening the scoring early in the game when Lauren Hemp struck the crossbar with a left-foot strike from Rachel Daly‘s pass 20 yards out.

Spain responded straightaway when Alba Redondo forced goalkeeper Mary Earps into a crucial save two minutes later.

But after Hemp saw another chance go awry with a weak effort from close range, Spain took the lead when they capitalized on Lucy Bronze losing the ball in midfield.

Spain launched a quick counterattack that saw the ball find Carmona, following a Mariona Caldentey lay-off, bursting forward down the left.

The Real Madrid Femenino defender controlled the ball before guiding a left-foot strike beyond Earps into the far corner to put Jorge Vilda‘s team ahead.

England struggled to get a foothold in the game, as Spain dominated possession and La Roja almost doubled their lead before half-time, when Salma Paralluelo hit the post in the 45th minute.

Lionesses coach Sarina Wiegman made a change at half-time in attempt to turn the tide by replacing Alessia Russo and Daly with Chloe Kelly and Lauren James, but the switch made little impact as Spain continued to control the game.

Caldentey had a shot well-saved by Earps and Aitana Bonmatí sent an effort over from 20 yards before a Keira Walsh handball led to a Spain penalty following a lengthy VAR review.

Jenni Hermoso failed to score from the spot, though, as Earps dived low to her left to keep out the Spain forward’s penalty.

Despite being thrown a lifeline by their goalkeeper, though, England couldn’t find a way to get back into the game with an equaliser.

And Spain held out to win the game and lift the Women’s World Cup at Stadium Australia.

Rafa Benitez Reaches Preliminary Agreement to Coach LaLiga Side Celta Vigo

Posted on June 23, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Rafa Benitez is preparing for a homecoming of sorts…

The 63-year-old Spanish professional football manager and former player who most recently managed Premier League club Everton, has reached a preliminary agreement to coach LaLiga side Celta Vigo, the Spanish club has announced.

Benitez takes over the vacant coaching position after Carlos Carvalhal left the club earlier this month by mutual consent.

Benitez has agreed a deal that’ll keep him at the club until June 2026.

“Real Club Celta has reached an agreement in principle with Rafa Benítez so that the Madrid-born coach can lead the team in this very special year and two more campaigns,” a club statement said. “Both parties are confident that the signing will take place in July, coinciding with the start of the team’s preseason.”

Benitez had been out of a job since being dismissed by Everton in January 2022 after just six-and-a-half months in charge.

The former Valencia coach is best known in England for guiding Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2005.

He also guided Chelsea to the Europa League crown in 2013 and Newcastle United to promotion to the Premier League in 2017.

Benitez, who won two LaLiga titles and a UEFA Cup with Valencia, has also managed Inter Milan, Napoli and Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional.

He last coached in Spain after taking over Real Madrid in the summer of 2015, although the Spanish giants relieved him of his duties six months later.

Benitez inherits a Celta team that was saved from relegation on the final day of the season with a 2-1 win over Barcelona at their Balaidos stadium.

The club finished 13th in the table, three points ahead of relegated Real Valladolid.

The 2023-24 season will revolve around the club’s centenary.

Benitez is unlikely to have Celta star Gabriel Veiga next season.

The Spanish midfielder expected to leave this summer.

A reported target of Liverpool, Chelsea and Napoli, Veiga, 21, is under contract until June 2026 but has a €40m release clause that clubs are willing to meet.

Mauricio Lara to Fight Leigh Wood in WBA Featherweight Title Rematch

Posted on April 2, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Mauricio Lara is preparing for a rematch…

The 25-year-old Mexican professional boxer will meet Leigh Wood in a WBA featherweight title rematch on May 27 in Manchester, England, according to Matchroom Boxing.

Lara (26-2-1, 19 KOs) scored a seventh-round TKO victory over Wood in February to win his first title. He was down on all three scorecards when he floored Wood (26-4, 16 KOs) in the seventh round with a blistering left hook before Wood’s corner stopped the fight.

Afterward, Lara spat on rival Josh Warrington, whom he fought twice in 2021 (TKO-9 win and technical draw.) There was talk of a trilogy fight between Lara and Warrington — especially considering the brutal nature of Wood’s defeat — but instead, Wood exercised the rematch clause and will make the quick turnaround.

Wood’s thrilling victory over Michael Conlan in March 2022 — Wood sent Conlan through the ropes in Round 12 — was named ESPN‘s Fight of the Year and Knockout of the Year.

Wood is rated No. 6 by ESPN at 126 pounds. Lara is ESPN’s No. 1 featherweight.

That same day in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Conlan will challenge Luis Albert Lopez for his IBF featherweight title. The other two featherweight titleholders are Rey Vargas (WBC), who is expected to meet Brandon Figueroa this summer, and Robeisy Ramirez, who defeated Isaac Dogboe on Saturday night.

Ruiz Leads Costa Rica Past Italy and Into the World Cup Round of 16

Posted on June 21, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Bryan Ruiz has scored one of the most important goals of his career to help Costa Rica pull off one of the biggest upsets of the 2014 World Cup.

The 28-year-old Costa Rican footballer and national team captain’s header, the first goal World Cup of his career, in the 44th-minute cemented the team’s victory over Italy 1-0 in the Recife, Brazil.

Costa Rica showed their 3-1 win over Uruguay was no fluke as they took the game to Italy in impressive style. Los Ticos now lead Group C on six points

Ruiz’s header, the biggest goal for his team in the last 24 years, has resulted in Costa Rica’s return to the Round of 16 for the second time in its history — the first was in 1990.

“Maybe there are a lot of people who didn’t have faith in us because we were in the ‘Group of Death’,” said Ruiz in a post-game interview. “But the dead are the other ones and we’re going to the next round.”

The result also guarantees England‘s first-round exit from the tournament. It’s the first time since 1958 that England has been eliminated in the group stage of the FIFA World Cup.

Italy and Uruguay, who meet on Tuesday, each have three points but Italy’s superior goal difference means they need only a draw to go through.

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