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Argentina announce FIFA World Cup squad,  Messi to lead team

Argentina announce

BUENOS AIRES: Defending champions Argentina have announced their squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with star forward Lionel Messi included in the 26-member lineup.

According to details, Messi will captain the side in what will be his sixth World Cup appearance, marking another major milestone in his illustrious international career.

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The 39-year-old played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph in Qatar, where they defeated France in a dramatic final to secure their third world title.

With his inclusion in the squad, Messi is set to join Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo among a select group of players to feature in six World Cup tournaments.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni has selected a balanced squad combining experienced and young players for the tournament.

Key players named in the squad include Emiliano Martinez, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez.

Messi has so far made 198 international appearances for Argentina and could reach the 200-cap milestone if he participates in upcoming friendly matches against Honduras and Iceland.

Argentina have been placed in Group J and will begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan.

Netherlands defeat Pakistan in goal-filled Pro Hockey League clash

Netherlands defeat

SANTIAGO: In the ongoing Pro Hockey League in Santiago, Argentina, Pakistan faced its third consecutive defeat during the first phase of the tournament.

The Netherlands defeated Pakistan 7-3 in the third match, adding to Pakistan’s earlier losses against Argentina (3-2) and Netherlands (5-2).

During the match, Muhammad Sufyan Khan scored two goals and Rana Waheed Ashraf added one, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.

Pakistan is scheduled to play its fourth match against host Argentina on December 15, aiming to recover in the tournament.

The team has struggled to find form, facing tough competition from both the Netherlands and Argentina, as they look to improve results in upcoming matches.

Lionel Messi secures second consecutive MLS MVP title

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has become the first player in Major League Soccer history to win the MVP award in back-to-back seasons.

The Inter Miami superstar played a pivotal role in his team’s 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps, registering two assists to help the club secure its first MLS Cup. Messi also claimed the MLS Golden Boot, finishing the 2025 regular season with 29 goals.

Across 28 matches in 2025, the 38-year-old contributed to 48 goals, combining goals and assists—the second-highest total for a single season. Messi recorded at least three goal contributions in nine different matches, setting another MLS record.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also became the first MLS player to achieve 10 multi-goal games in a single season, surpassing the previous record of eight held by Stern John, Mamadou Diallo, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Additionally, Messi scored in five consecutive matches from May 28 to July 12, marking the first time an MLS player recorded a multi-goal streak longer than four games and netting 10 goals during that period.

Messi recently extended his Inter Miami contract through the end of the 2028 season. He has been named in two MLS Best XI selections and won over 70% of the MVP vote, far ahead of runner-up San Diego winger Anders Dreyer, who received just over 11%.

The MLS MVP award, presented since 1996, is voted on by club technical staff, media, and current players.

The Argentine legend adds this accolade to a glittering career that includes the 2022 World Cup, three The Best FIFA Men’s Player awards, two World Cup Golden Balls, three UEFA Men’s Player of the Year awards, six European Golden Shoes, eight Pichichi trophies, and 15 Argentine Footballer of the Year awards.

Messi has yet to confirm whether he will represent Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.