Lionel Messi falls short in his bid for a second World Cup title, but soccer's GOAT debate was over long before the game even started

Lionel Messi's hopes of adding to his goal tally in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final were dashed as Argentina lost to Spain. This defeat not only denied Messi a second consecutive title but also resulted in him finishing second in the Golden Boot race.

Mbappe's just achieved something extraordinary.

USMNT icon Alexi Lalas made a bold claim about Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to an end.

For many, the GOAT debate in soccer ended in December 2022 when Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup. Four years later, at 39 years old, the Argentine has led his team to yet another World Cup final.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has weighed in on the long-running Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate,

Shoaib Akhtar used a World Cup final panel to argue that Cristiano Ronaldo is football's biggest brand but Lionel Messi the better player. But the cricket fans asked a simple question. Why was the Pakistan legend present on the panel of a football show?

He helped lead his country to the final of the tournament that summer, but they suffered a defeat to Chile in the final – the middle of three agonising major international final

Lionel Messi has 33 combined goals and assists at the World Cup, five more than Kylian Mbappe entering the final.

Donald Trump surprised football fans with detailed comments about Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Harry Kane. Trump praised Messi's brilliant passing, called Ronaldo a great player, and questioned England's tactical use of Harry Kane.