
Dembele Hails Messi as Immortal Football Icon Ahead of World Cup
Ousmane Dembele says Lionel Messi remains the best player ever, unaffected by age, and can still steer France to World Cup glory.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Lionel Messi across Soccer, Football, Baseball.

Ousmane Dembele says Lionel Messi remains the best player ever, unaffected by age, and can still steer France to World Cup glory.

From a record‑breaking 1994 final in Pasadena to the arrival of global icons in Major League Soccer, the sport’s footprint has expanded dramatically. Historian John Sloop explains how attitudes have shifted and what the 2026 tournament means for the next generation of fans.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be staged across the United States, Mexico and Canada, showcasing a blend of experience and youthful talent as the world’s best players converge for a historic competition.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first edition co‑hosted by three countries and the first to feature a 48‑team format. Argentina aims to defend its title and become the first side to win consecutive tournaments since Brazil in 1962, while Germany hopes to finally advance beyond the group stage. BFW analysts predict Spain, France and Germany as top contenders, with Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal among the players expected to shine.

Lincoln-based auditor Vanessa Emlich reflects on her lifelong love of soccer, family ties to Thailand, and the excitement of watching Lionel Messi’s presumed final World Cup appearance in Kansas City.

Despite looming controversies, FIFA envisions a record‑breaking event, but the road to the 48‑team tournament is fraught with geopolitical strain, travel restrictions and skepticism

A former critic recounts how curiosity, family roots, and worldwide broadcasts reshaped his relationship with soccer.
From June 11 through July 19, Legoland Florida Resort transforms its park into a celebration of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, offering LEGO‑themed soccer activities, iconic player tributes and a chance to lift a LEGO World Cup trophy — all included with regular admission.

A look at the life, career, and enduring impact of the football icon whose brilliance and controversy still shape the sport.

Across eight decades, fifteen icons have shaped the World Cup stage with unforgettable performances, record‑breaking goals and leadership that transcended the game.

The 2026 schedule for Auburn University reveals a mix of historic rivalries, new head‑coach debuts and a reshaped SEC format, with the Florida game emerging as the centerpiece.

A recent study from The Line ranks Argentina's fanbase as the most attractive for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ahead of Brazil and the United States. With Lionel Messi aiming for a historic second consecutive championship, the team's upcoming group‑stage fixtures in Dallas and Kansas City promise to showcase the nation's fervent supporters.

Arsenal's measured style sparks fan frustration while global tournaments deliver the chaos and cultural pull that many now crave.

The global tournament is turning local storefronts into bustling hubs of activity, with sales spiking and shoppers gathering to share the passion.

The Wellington Soccer Club in South Florida reports a historic influx of young players, with more than 840 children registering for the upcoming season, a trend linked to the World Cup's rising popularity.

The upcoming World Cup is amplifying Jacksonville’s growing soccer scene, highlighting diverse talent, local clubs, and the city’s ambition to become a hub for the sport.

A new exhibition at the Empire State Building showcases over 100 iconic soccer jerseys, including match‑worn shirts from Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham, as part of the FIFA World Cup celebrations.

First Church Miami will host a series of events near Bayfront Park and other downtown landmarks, featuring an art exhibition by Lili Cantero, a summer sermon series, a special worship service, and fundraisers supporting local and international ministries.

A look at how Andrés Cantor’s early love for soccer, his iconic goal calls, and decades at Telemundo have cemented his legacy in U.S. sports media.

The upcoming 2026 World Cup is being positioned as a catalyst for soccer’s growing popularity in the U.S., with league schedule changes, star‑studied ambitions and a century‑long shift in fan engagement.

As the tournament begins across three nations, Coach Johnny Clifford explains the tactical nuances and personal lessons that emerge when club stars don the national jersey.

Expert Martin Green shares his forecasts for the expanded 2026 World Cup, highlighting Mexico’s home advantage and a surprising longshot contender.

The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, 11 host cities, and a host of cultural performances, while security, ticket costs and predictions shape the narrative.

An editorial comparison pairs each SEC football program with a 2026 World Cup nation, using style, history and cultural vibe to imagine how the teams might fare on the global stage.