Ryan Mendes, captain of Cape Verde World Cup team, is under investigation for alleged rape in March in New Zealand.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni confirmed Friday that Leo Messi will begin the final World Cup group match on the bench.

Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes make their predictions for the Knockout Stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including Spain beating Argentina in the Final, and France dominating the tournament.

Cape Verde defender Pico Lopes, who plays for League of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers, says it will be a "surreal feeling" to come up against Lionel Messi and World Cup holders Argentina in the last-32 knockout stage of the World Cup.

Argentina defender Cristian Romero returned to full training ​on Monday and could be available for ‌their World Cup Round-of-32 clash against Cape Verde on Friday after being sidelined in the reigning champions ​final Group J match with a ​knee injury.

For the most part, Argentina’s World Cup team has kept a low profile in Kansas City, where it has made its base camp. However, we have seen multiple videos of the team grilling meat, which undoubtedly makes them honorary Kansas Citians.