Lionel Messi is back on the Ballon d’Or shortlist, setting up another global contest between the Argentine superstar and Europe’s leading generation of players. With Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham and reigning winner Ousmane Dembélé among the nominees, the 2026 award brings Messi back into the heart of the European football conversation.
Harry Kane delivered when England needed him most, scoring twice in the final 15 minutes to rescue a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo and book the Three Lions' place in the Round of 1
England narrowly avoided an embarrassing exit in the last 16 of Euro 2024, thanks to Jude Bellingham's overhead kick and Harry Kane's extra-time winner, securing a 2-1 victory over Slovakia on Sunday.
In this thrilling outcome, Messi was able to celebrate his well-deserved recognition as the world's best player, thanking the national team captains for tipping the balance in his favor in a tight tiebreaker.
England will meet France in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday after an impressive demolition of Senegal at Al Bayt Stadium.
England hit double figures for the first time since 1964 as they secured qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with embarrassing ease in San Marino.
England has broken through its semifinal ceiling at major soccer tournaments. A title match awaits for the first time in 55 years.
Harry Kane converted the rebound after his initial penalty was saved in the 104th minute to give England a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Denmark in extra time in the European Championship semifinals on Wednesday at Wembley Stadium.
Harry Kane has struck a hat-trick, with England marching into the last 16 of the World Cup with a record 6-1 win over a woeful Panama in its World Cup Group G match.
