FORMER Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has slammed Liam Rosenior's move to suspend Enzo Fernandez as 'egotistical'. Argentine midfielder Fernandez, 25, missed Chelsea's 7-0 win over Port Vale in the FA Cup after he came out with comments stoking the fire over a potential move to Real Madrid. His comments came on international duty with Argentina,...

Julián Álvarez has said he took a page out of Argentina teammate Lionel Messi's book for his stunning free kick at Camp Nou.

Atletico Madrid have underlined their determination to keep hold of Julian Alvarez amid increasing transfer interest from Arsenal.

Everything you need to know about extra time at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Bolivia superó 2-0 a Perú y consiguió su primera victoria en la competencia. Argentina se impuso 3-2 a Venezuela y escaló posiciones en el Grupo B. La CONMEBOL Sub17 2026 disputó la jornada correspondiente a la Fecha 3 del Grupo B, este miércoles 8 de abril, en Paraguay. Bolivia se impuso ante Perú y logró su primer triunfo en la competencia. Por su parte, Argentina derrotó 3-2 a Venezuela y escaló posiciones en la tabla del Grupo B. Así quedaron las tablas de posiciones tras el cierre de la Tercera Fecha: - Bolivia 2-0 Perú – Grupo B Bolivia superó 2-0 a Perú y consiguió su primera victoria en la competencia. Nabil Nacif anotó un doblete a los 27' y a los 41' del encuentro disputado en Villeta. La ‘Verde’ se quedó con tres puntos importantes en su camino en el torneo. Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida de CONMEBOLtorneos (@conmeboltorneos) Números del partido: Bolivia lleva dos partidos invicta en la CONMEBOL Sub-17 tras el empate con Venezuela y la victoria de hoy ante Perú, siendo la primera vez que no pierde en dos encuentros consecutivos en la competición en los últimos 16 años. Con los tantos de hoy, Nabil Nacif se convirtió en el primer jugador de Bolivia en anotar más de dos goles en una edición de la CONMEBOL Sub-17 (3), al menos desde 2019. Además, es el futbolista más joven en la actual competición en marcar más de una vez (16 años y 201 días). En el primer tiempo, Bolivia llegó a su récord en una primera mitad de goles (2), remates (11) y goles esperados (0.7 xG) de las últimas tres ediciones de la CONMEBOL Sub-17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imw879bmbEQ - Argentina 3-2 Venezuela – Grupo B Argentina se impuso 3-2 a Venezuela en un encuentro vibrante y con muchas emociones. La ‘Albiceleste’ abrió el marcador a los 13’ por intermedio de Juan Cruz Policella, quien volvió a hacerse presente a los 38’ para ampliar la ventaja antes del descanso. En la segunda mitad, Benjamín Tapia convirtió de penal a los 63’ para el 3-0 parcial. Sin embargo, Venezuela reaccionó y logró descontar, incluyendo un gol en propia puerta de Tapia, y volvió a marcar en el tramo final del partido. Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida de CONMEBOLtorneos (@conmeboltorneos) Números del partido: Argentina ha ganado sus dos primeros partidos de una misma edición de la CONMEBOL 17 por tercera vez desde 2009, tras lograrlo anteriormente en esa edición de 2009 y en 2023. Argentina y Venezuela se enfrentaron en siete ocasiones en CONMEBOL Sub17 desde 2009, con historial favorable a La Albiceleste, con cinco triunfos, un empate y una victoria Vinotinto. Argentina ha marcado dos goles de cabeza en la CONMEBOL 17 2026, solo Brasil (tres) ha anotado más en esta edición del torneo (también dos para Uruguay y Venezuela). CONMEBOL.com/OPTA

Julián Álvarez makes history with a record-breaking goal as Atlético Madrid take control vs Barcelona. Leer

Kasey Keller's ssessment has stirred attention as he looks beyond Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, focusing instead on a different set of contenders for the tournament. The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already filled with debate, and one of the most striking opinions comes from former USMNT goalkeeper Kasey Keller. His assessment has stirred attention as he looks beyond Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, focusing instead on a different set of contenders for the tournament. While both legends remain central to global soccer conversations, Keller believes the spotlight is shifting toward other nations. The American’s outlook is clear and direct when discussing the leading candidates for the trophy. He also expressed doubts about the traditional powerhouses led by Messi and Ronaldo, suggesting that their respective teams may struggle to match the intensity and depth of younger squads. His perspective reflects both experience and a cautious reading of current international form. “Can Ronaldo win the World Cup this summer? I don’t see Portugal winning the World Cup. I think they’re good. I look at a few teams. We look at the squad France has; if they get it together, then watch out. Obviously, Spain is very strong. I really like England’s squad-they have to be one of the favorites,” Keller said, via Tribal Football. Lamine Yamal of Spain celebrates scoring with Nico Williams. “I don’t see Argentina being able to repeat their success. With no expectations, can Brazil step up when they haven’t necessarily been playing well?” he added. “I personally look at Spain, France, and England. I just hope that with all this hype, it doesn’t become too much. We know English fans get a little excited when they start to have a bit of success,” he added. Why Argentina and Portugal are questioned Keller’s skepticism extends to the reigning champions and one of soccer’s most consistent contenders. He believes Argentina may struggle to defend its title, despite recent success and a strong squad identity. At the same time, Portugal faces similar doubts, with the 56-year-old openly questioning its ability to go all the way. The 2026 World Cup presents a unique contrast between experience and emerging talent. Messi, at 38, and Ronaldo, at 41, represent the last generation of global icons still competing at the highest level. Lionel Messi of Argentina shakes hands with Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal Keller’s analysis suggests that while experience matters, the physical demands of the tournament may favor younger, more dynamic teams. This shift is a key factor in his prediction, as nations like France, England, and Spain continue to evolve. Emerging powers ready to challenge? The teams Keller highlights are not only talented but also structured for sustained success. Kylian Mbappe’s France, with its depth and balance, remains a constant threat, while England, led by Harry Kane, continues to build one of its strongest squads in recent years. Spain, too, is evolving with a new generation of players who blend technical ability with tactical intelligence, starring Lamine Yamal. Keller’s confidence in these teams reflects their consistency in international competitions and their ability to perform under pressure.

Real Madrid and Brazil legend Marcelo chose Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo. Marcelo is well qualified to speak about many of the biggest soccer stars of this century. He was teammates with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid and with Neymar on the Brazil national team, but he picked Lionel Messi—whom he faced numerous times while playing against Barcelona. During a recent conversation on Romario’s YouTube channel, Marcelo was asked which player was the toughest to face, specifically between Ronaldo and Messi. The former left back did not hesitate: “Messi. He was, and is, extraordinary.” Marcelo then explained the reasoning behind his choice of the Argentine forward. “He understands everything very well. Every position on the field,” the 37-year-old said. “When the ball is coming to him, he already knows where to go and what to do… Messi is incredible, very difficult.” The matchups between Marcelo and Messi During his years with Real Madrid and Brazil, Marcelo faced Lionel Messi on numerous occasions. In fact, Messi is the opponent he faced most often in his professional career: 33 matches, with the defender winning 10, drawing seven, and losing the remaining 16. Marcelo playing for Real Madrid. This matchup was especially demanding for Marcelo given their positions on the field. Messi typically starts his runs on the right side before cutting diagonally toward the center, which often puts him up against opposing left backs—who, if left-footed, must defend him using their weaker right foot. That was exactly the situation the Brazilian defender found himself in during his battles with Messi, and it clearly left a lasting impression. “I’m still looking for him to this day, damn it,” Marcelo joked, recalling the moments when Messi would dribble past him. Marcelo also praises Cristiano Ronaldo In the same conversation, Romario asked Marcelo who the best teammate of his career was. “Cristiano. I played with Gaucho (Ronaldinho), with Roberto Carlos, with Ronaldo (Nazario), with many players. But Cristiano surprised me with his consistency. If he scored 30 goals one year, the next he scored 40,” the former left back said. He then added that Cristiano Ronaldo is the most professional player he has ever seen: “He is. It’s unbelievable. And it’s not just about arriving earlier or leaving later. No, he’s professional in everything—every aspect shows dedication. Sleep, training, recovery, the game—everything.”

Tadeo Allende, a key teammate of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, was absent from Wednesday’s training session ahead of the Major League Soccer clash against New York Red Bulls. On Saturday, Inter Miami will face New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer, a crucial matchup as they look to stay among the top spots in the Eastern Conference. Three days before that game, a key partner of Lionel Messi, Tadeo Allende, was not present at training. “The big absence from this morning’s training session is Tadeo Allende,” journalist Jose Armando reported on Wednesday in a post on his official X account. “Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul trained without any issues.” Allende, alongside Messi, was Inter Miami’s most decisive player during last season’s playoffs, scoring nine goals in six matches that proved crucial in helping the club win its first MLS title. That prompted a significant investment in him, estimated at around $5 million to secure his transfer from Celta Vigo. However, since then, the Argentine forward has struggled to replicate the level he showed at the end of 2025. In fact, this season Allende has yet to register a single goal contribution: he has played eight matches across MLS and the Concacaf Champions Cup without scoring or providing an assist. Javier Mascherano, Head Coach of Inter Miami CF. Two pieces of good news for Inter Miami Despite Tadeo Allende’s absence, Wednesday’s training session brought two positive updates for Inter Miami regarding other players who had recently been dealing with physical issues: Facundo Mura and Sergio Reguilon. “Mura returned to train with the rest of the group,” Jose Armando reported. The Argentine right back missed the last match against Austin FC at Nu Stadium due to an ankle issue. That forced Javier Mascherano to start Ian Fray in that role, but his performance fell short, leading to Gonzalo Lujan coming on at halftime. The other player who was able to train with the squad is Reguilon. The Spanish left back had also missed last Saturday’s match for the Herons due to muscle issues and is now aiming to return to the team. Upcoming challenges for Inter Miami This Saturday at 7:30 PM (ET), Inter Miami will play their second match at the newly inaugurated Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park, looking for their first win there after a 2-2 draw against Austin FC last weekend. Their opponent will be New York Red Bulls, who sit one point behind them in the standings. Following that match, the Herons will travel to face Colorado Rapids one week later.

La CONMEBOL, a través de su Comisión Médica y la Unidad Antidopaje, llevó a cabo una reunión con médicos de las selecciones sudamericanas clasificadas a la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026™. Se abordaron durante el encuentro aspectos clave relacionados con la preparación médica de los equipos. La CONMEBOL, a través de su Comisión Médica y la Unidad Antidopaje, llevó a cabo una reunión este miércoles 08 de abril con los médicos de las selecciones sudamericanas clasificadas a la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026™. Durante el encuentro, se abordaron aspectos clave relacionados con la preparación médica de los equipos, haciendo énfasis en la actualización de protocolos de actuación ante situaciones de emergencia, como el traumatismo craneoencefálico (TCE) y la sospecha de muerte súbita. Asimismo, se compartieron consideraciones médicas específicas vinculadas a las condiciones de los países sede, incluyendo factores climáticos, estrategias de hidratación y la importancia de las evaluaciones médicas previas a la competencia. En materia antidopaje, se presentó información actualizada sobre la normativa vigente y los procedimientos de control, destacando aspectos fundamentales como los controles en menores de edad, los distintos tipos de test, el envío y análisis de muestras en laboratorios acreditados por la Agencia Mundial Antidopaje (AMA), y los criterios de selección de jugadores. Además, se profundizó en temas relevantes como el proceso de Solicitud de Autorización de Uso Terapéutico (AUT), los riesgos asociados a la contaminación de suplementos y alimentos, y las obligaciones relacionadas con la localización de los jugadores para controles fuera de competencia. Esta instancia reafirma el compromiso de la CONMEBOL con la salud, la seguridad y el rendimiento de las selecciones sudamericanas, promoviendo estándares médicos y antidopaje de excelencia, y acompañando de manera permanente a los equipos en su camino hacia las máximas competencias internacionales. CONMEBOL.com