Now Lionel Scaloni's assistant with Argentina, Aimar enjoys a unique place within the world champions' set-up. Not only was he Messi's childhood hero, but he has also had a front-row seat to the captain's extraordinary journey since joining the national team's coaching staff in 2018.

It’s basic math. A World Cup rolls around every four years. The arrival of a firstborn happens exactly once.

Day 12 action delivered unforgettable match moments. But the true spirit of the tournament lives in the stands; thousands of passionate fans have flooded the host stadiums, bringing a kaleidoscope of color, energy, and unbridled emotion.

When Argentina take on Austria in their crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J clash in Dallas tonight, Lionel Messi will have the chance to emulate one of Diego Maradona’s most memorable feats in the famous Albiceleste jersey.

Schlotterbeck, a starting centre-back, was injured early in the game and was replaced at halftime by Antonio Ruediger. A scan on Sunday revealed the player had torn a ligament in his left ankle.

Standing in their way is an Austrian side energised by Ralf Rangnick's demanding philosophy, one built on intensity, pressing and chaos.

He will become the 10th French player to reach a century of caps, but is still a long way away from the record of 145 appearances held by his former teammate, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

The Argentine coach also questioned the modern interpretation of intensity, arguing that tactical awareness and defensive organisation are often more important than constant physical exertion.

Scaloni’s comments came after Uruguay coach and former Argentina boss Marcelo Bielsa also criticised the breaks, arguing that they affect the cultural identity of football.

A fringe player before the tournament, Zico is quickly emerging as one of Egypt's standout performers.

Conceicao on Sunday there was no was question of players feeling obliged to pass to Ronaldo if other team-mates were in better attacking positions.

That has been the message from coach Bubista after the performance against Uruguay. "We're here to show our country to the entire world," he said after the match.

Los Angeles hosted both of Iran's Group G matches so far, with the team returning to their base in Tijuana, Mexico between games.

Lionel Messi is now a free man. He has been ever since he inspired Argentina to lift their third World Cup four years back in Qatar in 2022, completing the one missing piece of a career that already stood at the summit of football.

Argentina vs Austria [ Monday, 11pm, Bangladesh Time]

Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Zico and Trezeguet were Egypt's other scorers after Finn Surman had given New Zealand the lead after 15 minutes of the Group G match in Vancouver.

This performance in Monterrey suggested something different. It was not merely a win. It was a statement.

Lionel Messi has 16 World Cup goals in total and needs one more to become the outright all-time top-scorer in the tournament's history when the two sides meet in Texas on Monday.

Cape Verde boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout phase with their second point in Group H.

Having arrived at the tournament under the shadow of war between Tehran and Washington, Iran have drawn both their opening games, and remain in with a chance to qualify for the knockout rounds for the first time.