Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Lionel Messi across Soccer, Football.
The upcoming World Cup semi-final between Argentina and England promises more than just a battle for a final spot, intertwining sporting triumphs with deep-rooted historical narratives.
San Diego FC’s Anders Dreyer has been selected for the MLS All-Star Game for the second straight year, joining a host of top talent in a showdown against Mexico’s Liga MX. The match, streamed on Apple TV, will feature notable omissions, including Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, while Tijuana Xolos’ Gilberto Mora prepares for a separate clash with San Diego FC on August 9.
Cristiano Ronaldo is starring in and producing a new TV series titled 'Day 1s', working with director Matthew Vaughn and featuring a cast of high‑profile soccer players.
Inter Miami, led by Luis Suárez, tops the latest MLS power rankings, while Orlando City, St. Louis CITY SC and several newcomers show strong form.
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will feature a showdown between MLS All-Stars and LIGA MX All-Stars at Bank of America Stadium, with ticket sales opening at $72.
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will take place on July 29 in Charlotte, N.C., showcasing top MLS talent against Liga MX stars, with tickets starting at $72 and Lionel Messi ruled out due to rest requirements.
A controversial refereeing protocol at the 2026 World Cup has ignited debate over Argentina’s path to the semi‑finals, with former FIFA referee Christina Unkel and several national coaches condemning its breadth.
A new refereeing protocol introduced for the World Cup has ignited debate, with former referee Christina Unkel warning that the rulebook is overly broad and that fan confidence has 'completely eroded'.
A new World Cup refereeing protocol has sparked backlash, with Argentina's campaign overshadowed by disputed decisions and criticism from officials.
Jordan Pickford will meet Lionel Messi for the first time in a World Cup semi‑final, a match that pits England’s resilient defence against Argentina’s iconic attack.
Jordan Pickford discusses the significance of facing Lionel Messi in a World Cup semi‑final, the records he has broken, and England’s determination to reward fans with a winning performance.
Jordan Pickford is set to lock horns with Lionel Messi for the first time in a World Cup semi‑final, a clash that pits England’s steadfast goalkeeper against Argentina’s iconic forward. The encounter will mark a personal milestone for Pickford, who has already rewritten English football history.
Europe has historically dominated the World Cup, with six of the last eight tournaments being won by European sides. This pattern reflects more than just recent success; it is the product of deep‑rooted traditions that have shaped the sport on the continent for decades. Soccer’s appeal lies in its simplicity and low cost. A ball, a patch of grass and a handful of friends are enough to spark a match, which is why the game has spread to every corner of the globe. Yet those very qualities are wrapped in European rituals, from club histories to national narratives that date back centuries. At the centre of this ecosystem is FIFA, the Zurich‑based governing body that wields enormous influence over the sport’s commercial engine. The organization has mastered the art of turning a global tournament into a revenue‑generating spectacle, charging premium prices for broadcasting and sponsorship rights. The rest of the world often fields semi‑promising up‑and‑comers, aging veterans and opportunistic players who hope to make an impact on the biggest stage. While talent exists everywhere, the structural advantages held by European football ecosystems remain difficult to replicate. Commercialization is a double‑edged sword. Brands from across the globe, including Apple, Tesla and Shopify, have begun to associate themselves with the sport, but the financial barriers to entry remain high. Fans are willing to pay the steep costs because the tournament’s mystique endures. Sports are perpetual novelties; they are constantly discussed, endlessly marketed and never lacking in audience. The World Cup, despite its staggering price tags, continues to attract a global viewership that fuels further investment. Europe’s strategy moving forward is to double down on the advantages it already possesses — infrastructure, talent pipelines and a culture that prizes the beautiful game. This plan aims to keep the continent at the forefront of international competition. Canada does not enjoy the same historical foothold in soccer, and it currently lacks a coherent plan to exploit the sport’s global growth. Instead, the nation’s most reliable sporting advantage is hockey, a game that is not only deeply embedded in the culture but also the only completely self‑sustaining sport in the country. Figures such as Sidney Crosby illustrate the enduring legacy of Canadian hockey, while emerging talents like Macklin Celebrini signal a continued pipeline of world‑class players. In contrast, soccer’s global icons — including Lionel Messi — highlight a different kind of international stardom that Canada has yet to tap. The article argues that rather than chasing a sport in which it has no entrenched advantage, Canada should concentrate resources on hockey, leveraging its domestic strengths and the commercial appeal that the sport already commands.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni dismisses the hype surrounding the upcoming World Cup semifinal against England, yet the historical weight of past encounters — from Maradona's iconic goals to the Falklands conflict — adds a palpable tension to the match.
A whirlwind of competition across soccer, baseball and golf brings star athletes, historic rivalries and curated book picks into the spotlight
The 2026 World Cup semifinals will see France face Spain in Dallas and Argentina meet England in Atlanta, setting up a potential final showdown at MetLife Stadium.
A look at how the 2026 World Cup contenders are being likened to iconic college football programs, highlighting historic parallels and future implications.
France and Spain meet in Arlington, Texas, in a semifinal that marks the first time since 1990 that all four remaining teams are former World Cup champions. The match will feature star players like Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, and the winner will advance to the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The Argentine team’s departure from Kansas City sparked a vibrant fan scene, highlighted by immigrant supporter Jianquio Luan and business leader John Stephens, who sees lasting economic potential.
A teenage sensation recounts the modest origins of his full name, the sacrifices of his immigrant parents, and the mentors who shaped his rise.
As the semifinals approach, pundits, a subscriber, a six‑year‑old, a dog and an algorithm weigh in on France‑Spain and England‑Argentina, while recent controversies and standout performances shape the narrative.
A post‑tournament poll shows how the 2026 World Cup reshaped American attitudes toward soccer, from new viewers to merchandise trends and international travel plans.
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will be held at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, featuring key owner meetings, a Skills Challenge, and a showcase of top talent from MLS and Liga MX, with the action available on Apple TV.
The VAR review that led to Breel Embolo’s sending off in the Switzerland‑Argentina quarter‑final has prompted a clarification from football’s law‑making body, raising questions about future officiating standards.